Spatial-Temporal Modeling of the Relationship Between Surface Temperature and Air Temperature in Metropolitan Urban Systems

Keywords: Surface Temperature, Air Temperature, Spatio-Temporal Modeling, Urban Systems
Abstract Type: Guided Poster Abstract

Abstract

Research about local urban climate and urban heat island often relies on surface temperature (ST) data, commonly derived from remote sensing platforms, as a proxy for urban air temperature. Although using surface temperature data for such research has the advantage of widely available continuous spatial and temporal coverage, it is recognized in the literature that ST is not an ideal proxy for surface temperature. In this study, we present the results of a comparison between measured ST and AT. Here, we aim to answer the following question: is the nature of the relationship between surface and air temperature in urban areas? A mobile weather mobile air temperature monitoring unit as well as stationary air temperature monitors placed in community gardens around the city of Philadelphia were used to collect fine-scale AT data. Mobile and stationary monitoring were conducted during the time of passage of Landsat 8 and 9 over the study area. Here, we present the initial findings about collected AT and its correlation with ST. Understanding the relationship between ST and AT is critical for a nuanced understanding of the impact of local climate on urban sustainability and human well-being.