Influence of Different Pavement Materials on the Ground and Air Temperature in an Arid Region

Abstract

Urban areas are experiencing an increase in land surface temperature (LST) and air temperatures (AT) compared to the rural and natural environment. Dark surfaces of pavement materials located in urban areas make these materials absorb more solar energy as well as infrared radiation and store them. And when compared to natural surfaces like vegetation, their ability to store energy during the day and release it at night will lead to an increase in temperature. However, the extent of the effect of each pavement material is unknown in the winter season whereas previous studies focused on the summer season. So, this study’s main objective is to investigate the impact of three different pavement materials (Asphalt, Brick, and Concrete) and their thermal characteristics on LST, and AT during January at daytime and nighttime in 2021. Moreover, to examine the correlation between LST and AT at different times. Temperature sensors at three different heights in the field are used to study the effect of different materials on temperature. The temperature sensors include the LST observations at the ground level, and AT at 0.5 meters and 1.5 meters above the ground. The results show the maximum LST during daytime and nighttime were recorded at asphalt pavement which were 29.2°C and 22.2°C respectively. Whereas the lowest was recorded at concrete pavement and were 20.5°C and 13.4°C respectively. Our results prove that asphalt pavement is the main contributor to the rise in temperature even in the winter season. This study is crucial for urban planners and environmentalists to use a mitigation material that can minimize the effects of different pavement materials on temperature.