Monitoring Monthly and Seasonal Dynamics of Subsurface Urban Heat Island and Possible Mitigation Measures in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the monthly and seasonal dynamics of subsurface urban heat island in Enugu metropolis, using secondary soil temperature data set that was sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. The descriptive statistical tool used was the line graph. The study showed that the monthly subsurface urban heat island intensity peaks at 0.6 0 C in May and remains fairly constant from September to February. It also revealed that the seasonal subsurface urban heat island intensity peaks at 0.5 0 C in spring (March, April and May) before staying relatively stable from summer (June, July and August) to winter (December, January and February). From the study, it was clear that the urban heat island effect occurred in the subsurface in Enugu, as it does above the ground. Therefore, this study recommends the creation of gardens and parklands and direct tree planting as part of the mitigation measures to this problem. Keywords: Enugu, mitigation, soil temperature, subsurface, urban heat island, urbanisation DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-3-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2023