Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the relationship between land use change and the urban heat island (UHI) effect in a rapidly developing city. The study focuses on understanding how changes in land use patterns contribute to the intensification of the UHI effect and its associated impacts on urban environments. Through a comprehensive analysis of land use dynamics and temperature variations, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the interactions between urban development and climatic conditions in the context of a rapidly growing city. The introduction sets the stage by outlining the significance of the study, highlighting the need to address the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change in contemporary urban settings. The background of the study provides a detailed overview of the concepts of land use change and the UHI effect, emphasizing their relevance to urban sustainability and environmental quality. The problem statement identifies the gaps in existing literature and underscores the necessity of investigating the specific linkages between land use change and the UHI effect in the study area. The objectives of the study are delineated to guide the research process, focusing on analyzing land use patterns, quantifying temperature variations, and assessing the impacts of the UHI effect on urban environments. The limitations of the study are acknowledged to delineate the boundaries within which the research findings can be interpreted. The scope of the study is defined to clarify the geographical and temporal extent of the research, emphasizing the specific focus on a rapidly developing city experiencing significant land use transformations. The significance of the study is highlighted in terms of its potential contributions to urban planning, climate adaptation, and sustainable development strategies. The structure of the thesis is outlined to provide a roadmap for the reader, detailing the organization of chapters and key components of the research framework. Lastly, the definition of key terms ensures clarity and understanding of the terminology used throughout the thesis. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review that synthesizes existing knowledge on land use change, the UHI effect, and their interconnections. The review encompasses theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and empirical findings from relevant studies, providing a robust foundation for the subsequent analyses. Chapter Three elaborates on the research methodology employed in the study, including data collection techniques, analytical tools, and modeling approaches. The chapter details the research design, sampling procedures, and data analysis methods, ensuring the rigor and validity of the research outcomes. Chapter Four presents a thorough discussion of the research findings, highlighting the key patterns of land use change, temperature variations, and UHI intensification observed in the study area. The chapter integrates quantitative analyses with qualitative insights to elucidate the complex interactions between urban development and climatic conditions. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the main findings, discussing their implications for urban planning and environmental management, and suggesting avenues for future research. The conclusion highlights the practical significance of the study and underscores the importance of addressing land use dynamics in mitigating the impacts of the UHI effect in rapidly developing cities. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to advancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between land use change and the UHI effect in urban contexts. By integrating spatial analyses, climatic data, and urban planning perspectives, the research offers valuable insights for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rapidly developing cities facing the challenges of climate change and urbanization.

Thesis Overview