The Relationship between NDVI and LST in Phoenix, AZ

Keywords: Land surface temperature, NDVI, Landscape pattern, Phoenix
Session Type: Virtual Poster
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 4/10/2021 03:05 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) - 4/10/2021 04:20 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 52

Abstract

Previous research suggests that urban land cover elevates land surface temperatures (LST), which has a subsequent influence on the regional climate, human health and comfort, and energy consumption and water use. It is less clear whether these effects are related directly to vegetation, land cover, evapotranspiration, or a combination. The focus of the current research is to determine the extent to which vegetation influences temperature, ie the correlation between the Normalized Difference of Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). This study supports the well established negative empirical relationship between LST and increased vegetation cover (higher NDVI). In other words, more vegetation and shaded surfaces are cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials and impervious surfaces increase temperatures. As cities rapidly grow, urban greenery plays an important role as a mitigation strategy for increasing LST. Future research looks at the best locations for green infrastructure.