Geo-physical seasonal deviations of land use, terrain analysis, and water cooling effect on the surface temperature of Pune city

Abstract

Urban heat islands are hotter than rural places. Sustainable urban growth and improving urban environments need understanding Urban Heat Island (UHI) causes and finding effective mitigation techniques. This research examines the seasonal deviations in surface temperatures for the UHI effect in Pune, India, focusing on land use patterns and water body cooling. Land use categorization included residential, commercial, industrial, vegetation, and open spaces. The research studied the cooling potential and temperature variance by distance from water bodies in the form of lakes, rivers, and ponds. These aquatic bodies have surface and ambient temperature sensors. Roads, soil, commercial areas, residential areas, industrial areas, and vegetation have all shown increases in NDBI, ranging from 15.84 to 36.45%. Urban regions with heat accumulation and dissipation have been revealed by DEM and contour maps. The research found that the water bodies have a cooling effect on LST till the distance of 350 m. The research finds hotter places and shows how natural features mitigate UHI by analyzing land use patterns and water body cooling. The findings emphasize the significance of green areas and water bodies in urban design and development to improve Pune’s climate resilience and inhabitability.