An Analysis of Atlanta and the Urban Heat Island Effect

Keywords: urban heat island effect, urban climate, physical geography, GIS
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 49

Abstract

The urban heat island effect is an increasingly serious problem, as urbanization continues to take place. An urban heat island refers to the excessive heat produced by urban regions. The heat is generated due to the exposure of urban materials to solar radiation and other anthropogenic heat producing activities. Due to urbanization, larger populations are put at risk of extreme heat and other impacts. Many cities experience the urban heat island effect, but it is particularly impactful in Atlanta, Georgia.

This analysis includes studying the extent of Atlanta’s urban heat island and identifying its main impacts. Additionally, the study involves a review of the region’s weather and climate, as these systems can be affected by urban heat islands. There was an emphasis on producing land surface temperature maps, analyzing change over time, and beginning to identify the drivers of the urban heat island effect.

The land surface temperature maps produced in this study show that urban heat island effect is becoming more prevalent in Atlanta. In this area, population growth, urban development, and anthropogenic activities have contributed to the region’s urban heat island effect. The population of the Atlanta metropolitan area continues to grow rapidly, resulting in ongoing urban development. This brings along increased anthropogenic heat-producing activities, like transportation emissions. This project identifies these drivers of the urban heat island effect in Atlanta and discusses the role of each in the future.