A case study using remote sensing data to compare biophysical properties of a forest and an urban area in Northern Alabama, USA

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe quantification of major biophysical features of forest and urban areas is important for assessing ecological service from land use change and is necessary for sustainable regional planning. This study compares biophysical indicators related to local climate, air quality, and hydrology using remote sensing and derived data at a representative forest area to a nearby urban area located in Huntsville, Alabama. Results indicate that (a) there was a higher albedo, a lower average air temperature, and 10% more annual precipitation in the forest area; the assumed air conditioner working time was about 7 days more per year in the urban area; (b) there was better air quality in the forest area based on lower levels of PM2.5, PM10, and SO2; and (c) there was a higher latent heat, more runoff per year (both aboveground and belowground runoff), and a greater soil water content at the forest area. Although Huntsville is a small city, there were some profound biophysical differences in this urban area compared to the nearby forest. These results are useful for analyzing sustainability, planning regional resources (e.g., energy, air, and water), and estimating ecological services from forests.