Exploring the spatial interplay between built-up environments and surface urban heat island phenomena in the main urban area of Shanghai

Abstract

The urban built-up environment, consisting of buildings, roads, and various facilities, plays a crucial role in forming surface urban heat islands (SUHI). This study aims to address this issue by creating a comprehensive indicator system for the urban built-up environment, drawing from previous research. By employing multi-source data and diverse geospatial processing methods, this article examine the influence of 20 environmental factors on the spatial and temporal variability of SUHI in Shanghai during the summer and winter seasons from 2016 to 2020. This article findings reveal four key observations. (1) The average SUHI intensity in Shanghai's main urban area during the summers of 2016–2020 showed an increasing trend, with the heat island's shape and location differing between seasons. (2) The correlation values (R-values) between the built and road environment indicators and SUHI changed with season and year, reflecting the dynamic interplay among urban morphology, weather conditions, and human activities that affect heat generation and dissipation. (3) This article found that the increasing SUHI trend was not solely dependent on changes in individual built-up environment parameters. (4) This article analysis demonstrated that the built environment factor significantly influenced heat island intensity in summer, while the green space environment factor had a substantial impact during winter. In conclusion, the results emphasize the complex relationship between the urban built-up environment and SUHI, highlighting the need to consider various environmental factors when assessing their impact on SUHI formation. This study offers valuable insights to inform the development of effective strategies for mitigating the negative effects of SUHI on urban environments and promoting sustainable urban development.