SPACIO-TEMPORAL MODELING OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS AND CORRELATION WITH VARIABLES- MONTES CLAROS, MG, BRAZIL

Abstract

The urban heat islands (UHI) refer to the increase in the surface and atmospheric temperature, reaching metropolises and medium cities globally. Changes in land use, climate, and topography modulate the UHI. Understanding the relationship of these factors helps to identify causes and consequences. The study focuses on this area, with surface temperature (ST) analysis, UHI formation, and connection with other variables. The study area is the sixth-largest city in the state of Minas Gerais (Montes Claros), in an AW climate zone (Köppen). The ST modeling was based on the thermal band Landsat 5 and 8 for months August 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2018. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied between ST information, land use, and geomorphometric data. From 1991 to 2018, ST increased, converting ranges from 22 to 26 ° C to over 28 °C, with the formation and an increase of 333% of UHI (UHI => 4 ° C average/period). Natural factors of solar radiation, altitude, wind circulation index, and slope exposure face influence the dynamics of ST. However, the increase in ST has a better relationship with urban density and lower vegetation levels. The reduction of the UHI problem should focus on planning land use and increasing vegetation greenness.