Document Type
Other
Publication Date
4-20-2024
Abstract
This study examines the influence of aridity and vegetation cover on land surface temperature (LST) in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania, a semi-arid environment experiencing rapid urban growth. Using Landsat 9 satellite imagery (30 m resolution) for October 2023, key environmental variables including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and LST were derived and analyzed using ArcGIS Pro. The study applies remote sensing techniques and spatial analysis to examine the relationships between vegetation, moisture availability, and surface temperature patterns. The results reveal substantial spatial variation across the study area, with NDVI values ranging from -0.17 to 0.5 and NDMI values from -0.447 to 0.35, indicating predominantly low vegetation cover and moisture levels. LST values varied significantly between 21.6°C and 49.0°C, reflecting the influence of surface characteristics. A negative correlation between NDMI and LST was observed, demonstrating that areas with higher moisture content tend to exhibit lower surface temperatures due to evaporative cooling effects. Similarly, areas with sparse vegetation and low moisture content recorded higher temperatures, particularly in bare land regions. These findings highlight the role of vegetation and moisture in regulating temperature in semi-arid urban areas. The study underlines the importance of integrating urban greening and sustainable water management strategies to mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance climate resilience.
Recommended Citation
Mbirika, Carolyne Vincent, "An Assessment on the Influence of Aridity and Vegetation Cover on Land Surface Temperatures: Case of Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania" (2024). Research, Papers & Creative Work. 3.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/student_res/3