Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The urban heat island (UHI) effect has become a significant concern in the context of rapidly growing cities due to its implications on urban microclimates, energy consumption, and public health. This thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of the UHI effect in a rapidly growing city, focusing on understanding the drivers, spatial patterns, and impacts of urban heat islands. The study employs a combination of remote sensing data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools, and statistical analysis to investigate the UHI effect in the case study city. The introduction provides an overview of the UHI phenomenon, highlighting its relevance in the urban context and the need for in-depth analysis in rapidly growing cities. The background of the study explores existing literature on the UHI effect, emphasizing the factors contributing to its formation and the potential mitigation strategies. The problem statement identifies gaps in current research and sets the context for the present study. The objectives of the study are to assess the spatial distribution of UHI intensity in the study area, identify the key drivers of the UHI effect, evaluate the relationship between land use/land cover characteristics and UHI intensity, and propose strategies for mitigating the UHI effect. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including data availability constraints and the complexity of urban microclimates. The scope of the study encompasses a detailed analysis of UHI patterns in the study city, focusing on both temporal and spatial variations. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform urban planning and climate adaptation strategies in rapidly growing cities facing the challenges of urbanization and climate change. The structure of the thesis outlines the organization of chapters and key components of the research. The literature review synthesizes existing studies on the UHI effect, covering topics such as UHI formation mechanisms, impacts on urban environments and human health, and mitigation measures. The research methodology section describes the data sources, analytical techniques, and research design employed in the study, including remote sensing analysis and statistical modeling. The findings of the study reveal significant spatial variations in UHI intensity across the study area, with higher temperatures observed in densely built-up areas and industrial zones. The discussion of findings explores the implications of these results for urban planning and climate resilience efforts, highlighting the importance of green infrastructure and sustainable design practices. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the understanding of the UHI effect in rapidly growing cities and provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers working in the field of urban climate studies. The summary highlights key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research directions. Keywords Urban heat island, Rapid urbanization, Remote sensing, GIS, Climate adaptation

Thesis Overview

The research project entitled "Analysis of urban heat island effect in a rapidly growing city" aims to investigate and understand the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs) within the context of a rapidly growing urban environment. Urban heat islands refer to the higher temperatures observed in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings. This project will focus on a specific city experiencing rapid urbanization to assess the extent and impact of UHIs on the local climate, environment, and community. The rapid urban growth in many cities worldwide has led to increased infrastructure development, population density, and land use changes, all of which contribute to the intensification of UHIs. Understanding the factors that drive the urban heat island effect in a rapidly growing city is crucial for sustainable urban planning and climate mitigation strategies. By analyzing the spatial and temporal patterns of UHIs, this research seeks to identify hotspots within the city where temperature differentials are most pronounced and assess the associated environmental and social implications. Through a combination of field measurements, remote sensing data analysis, and modeling techniques, this project will investigate the drivers of UHIs, such as land cover changes, building density, surface materials, and urban morphology. The research will also explore the relationship between UHIs and factors like air quality, energy consumption, public health, and social vulnerability within the context of a rapidly growing urban environment. Furthermore, the project aims to develop strategies and recommendations for mitigating the urban heat island effect in the studied city. This may involve green infrastructure interventions, urban design modifications, heat mitigation technologies, and policy interventions aimed at reducing the impact of UHIs on the local climate and community well-being. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement, this research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient urban environments in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change challenges. Overall, the analysis of urban heat island effect in a rapidly growing city is a critical research endeavor that addresses the complex interactions between urbanization, climate, and society. By shedding light on the dynamics of UHIs and their implications, this project aims to inform evidence-based decision-making processes and promote sustainable urban development practices that enhance the quality of life for urban residents while minimizing environmental impacts.