Influence Of Urbanization Research Articles

Land Use Changes and Spatiotemporal Distribution of Domestic Water Consumption in the Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountains

Rapid population growth and subsequent urbanization pose significant challenges of water shortage in arid regions. As an important area along the One Belt and One Road line, the Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountains (NSTM) has suffered from water shortages owing to rapid urbanization in recent decades. To conserve water resources and protect the ecosystem, understanding the temporal and spatial variations of the domestic water consumption, availability, and its influencing factors is essential. According to water resource regionalization and its characteristics in NSTM, it was divided into three sections, namely the west section, the middle section, and the east section. In addition, this work characterized the temporal and spatial variation of domestic water consumption in NSTM with a focus on the understanding of the influence of urbanization on domestic water consumption from 1990 to 2020 based on three sections. The results showed that during this period of time, construction land use increased by 2256 km2 corresponding to the population increase of 158.58 × 104. Subsequently, the total domestic water consumption increased from 7.55 × 107 m3 in 1990 to 2.60 × 108 m3 in 2020. The eastern section demonstrated steady growth, while the western and middle sections experienced larger fluctuations in domestic water consumption. Urbanization has been identified as a significant factor influencing the shift in domestic water consumption. This study offers a scientific foundation for the sustainable management of water resources in arid areas.

The Significance of Economic Complexity and Renewable Energy for Decarbonization in Eastern European Countries

Emerging states’ path to enhancing the welfare of their citizens has been strongly accompanied by environmental degradation; climate change effects often abrogate their economic results. This zero-sum game must change, and environmental concerns should be considered when the development of a country is discussed and assessed. In this sense, this study’s objective is to analyze the impact of economic complexity and renewable energy consumption in the presence of economic growth and urbanization in selected emerging European countries from 1995 to 2021. We used a multiple-methodologic approach to highlight the supportive effects of economic complexity and renewable energy consumption in mitigating carbon emissions. Furthermore, the effects of economic growth and urbanization were emphasized by applying the cointegration regression (CCR), fully modified OLS, and dynamic OLS (FMOLS–DOLS) approaches. Additionally, we used Driscoll–Kraay estimation regression to test the robustness of our results. The results reveal the beneficial role of renewable energy consumption and economic complexity in the decarbonization process of selected countries. Furthermore, the study highlighted the detrimental influence of urbanization and economic growth, which were feasible considering the emerging status of the countries included in the panel.

Simulated GP clinic closure: effects on patient access in the Irish Mid-West.

Rural communities can experience more barriers to accessing health care than their urban counterparts, largely due to fewer healthcare staff and services, and geographical isolation. The purpose of this study is to examine the availability of GP practices in rural communities across the Mid-West of Ireland and the potential impact of practice closure on patient access. GP clinic locations were identified in Ireland's Mid-West, specifically counties Limerick and Clare. Administrative subdivisions of both counties, Small Areas (SAs), were identified and their XY geographic centre coordinates recorded. SAs were indexed into six levels of rurality according to Irish Central Statistics Office urban/rural classifications (1, cities; 2, satellite urban towns; 3, independent urban towns; 4, rural areas with high urban influence; 5, rural areas with moderate urban influence; 6, highly rural/remote areas). The direct linear distance from the centre of each SA to its respective closest GP clinic was calculated. Simulated closure of each GP clinic was assessed programmatically by removing practices from the overall dataset and calculating the new direct linear distance from each SA to the next closest GP clinic. The majority of the SAs in County Clare (63%) and County Limerick (66%) are classified as rural (rurality index ≥4), with the exception of Limerick City, where all SAs were defined as urban. Rural SAs have longer travel distances to GP clinics than their urban counterparts, and these distances are greater with increasing rurality of a population. Simulated closure of GP clinics revealed increasing travel distances to the next closest clinic with increasing level of rurality in a stepwise fashion (r2=0.31). Rural community dwellers across the Mid-West of Ireland face longer travel distances to GP clinics than their urban counterparts. Thus rural communities will be, on average, more adversely affected should their local GP clinic close. While these findings are unsurprising, our methodology calculates a discrete number that can be used to rank vulnerability of local communities. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable to GP clinic closure, and maintaining a solid foundation of primary care in these areas will require careful service and workforce planning.

Evaluation of Urbanization Influences on Beach Sediment Contamination with Heavy Metals Along the Littoral Zone of Alexandria City, Egypt

The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities.

From roads to roofs: How urban and rural mobility influence building energy consumption

Understanding the relationship between travel behavior and building energy use at an urban scale is crucial for developing effective energy management strategies. Mobility patterns significantly impact building occupancy, which in turn affects energy consumption. However, existing methods often focus on individual buildings, whereas geographical influences on energy usage are not adequately examined. This study addresses this gap by using transportation origin-destination (OD) data to estimate building occupancy and energy. The proposed method assigns OD trips from census block groups to the building level, incorporating building, travel survey, and census data to derive building occupancy profiles. This method was applied to urban and rural areas with 4062 buildings in 70 census block groups. We found that the OD-informed occupancy profile exhibits smoother energy consumption patterns compared with that of Department of Energy reference occupancy profiles. Our analysis reveals distinct building energy consumption patterns among groups with long and short commutes, emphasizing the effect of commute times and work schedules on residential energy usage. This framework is useful for practitioners in transportation agencies and utility companies, enabling the estimation of building energy based on mobility patterns. Overall, this study shows the potential of integrating transportation and building energy data to inform cross-sector energy management strategies.

Soil animal communities demonstrate simplification without homogenization along an urban gradient.

Urbanization profoundly impacts biodiversity and ecosystem function, exerting an immense ecological filter on the flora and fauna that inhabit it, oftentimes leading to simplistic and homogenous ecological communities. However, the response of soil animal communities to urbanization remains underexplored, and it is unknown whether their response to urbanization is like that of aboveground organisms. This study investigated the influence of urbanization on soil animal communities in 40 public parks along an urbanization gradient. We evaluated soil animal abundance, diversity, and community composition and related these measures to urban and soil characteristics at each park. The most urbanized parks exhibited reduced animal abundance, richness, and Shannon diversity. These changes were influenced by many variables underscoring the multifaceted influence of urbanization on ecological communities. Notably, contrary to our expectation, urbanization did not lead to community homogenization; instead, it acted stochastically, creating unique soil animal assemblages. This suggests that urban soil animal communities are concomitantly shaped by deterministic and stochastic ecological processes in urban areas. Our study highlights the intricate interplay between urbanization and soil animal ecology, challenging the notion of urban homogenization in belowground ecosystems and providing insight for managing and preserving belowground communities in urban areas.

Groundwater dynamics clustering and prediction based on grey relational analysis and LSTM model: A case study in Beijing Plain, China

Study regionBeijing Plain, China Study focusThe traditional zoning of groundwater systems relies on lithological characteristics and hydraulic connections. However, the influence of climate change and human activities has led to the emergence of diverse dynamic patterns within these systems. Additionally, the differences in groundwater dynamic characteristics are often ignored when modeling with machine learning methods. In this study, a new clustering method named GRA-CLU was proposed to classify dynamic types of groundwater. Then, regional models are built using LSTM based on the dynamic zoning, aiming to incorporate hydrogeological significance into the pure data-driven model.New hydrological insights for the region: The GRA-CLU method classified the study area into six groundwater dynamic types. Compared with the traditional hydrogeological units, the new zoning result identified two dynamic types that have never been considered: urban influence zone and mountain-plain junction zone where surface water interacts with groundwater. Through analysis, the significant rise of groundwater levels in 2021 was more influenced by heavy rainfall events rather than human activities. This study further explored the performance of LSTM regional models based on the six dynamic zones. The results indicated that the NSE of models increased by 5.7–50.0 %, the improvement was more obvious in zones with irregular fluctuations. The RMSE decreased by 31.5–59.8 %, particularly noticeable in zones with regular annual fluctuations and large samples.

Population dynamics of resident fish in a coastal lagoon under eutrophication-mediated habitat changes

Coastal lagoons, as transitional ecosystems, are crucial for providing ecosystem services and preserving fish communities, yet they face increasing pressures from anthropogenic activities. The Mar Menor coastal lagoon in the western Mediterranean exemplifies this challenge, as it suffers from severe eutrophication driven by agricultural and urban influences. In this study, we assess changes in the population dynamics of three resident fish species (Apricaphanius iberus, Pomatoschistus marmoratus, and Syngnathus abaster) in the context of human-induced impacts in the Mar Menor. Using long-term monitoring data (the reference period of 2002-2004 vs. the eutrophication period of 2015-2019), we analyze temporal variations in their population dynamics and their relationships with eutrophication-mediated structural changes in shallow waters. Our results suggest that these resident species, which are closely associated with shallow areas, show population dynamics that reflect habitat alterations, underscoring their potential as indicators of eutrophication impacts. This study enhances our understanding of the dynamics within transitional ecosystems and provides a basis for integrated management strategies aimed at promoting effective fish conservation.

Empowering Rural Left-behind Children in Meizhou, Guangdong: SIPS Model-Based Approach to Promoting Reading and Fostering Holistic Development

Objective: Under the dual influence of globalization and urbanization, the issue of left-behind children in rural areas has become increasingly prominent. Taking Meizhou, Guangdong Province, as a case study, this paper underscores the urgency of promoting reading activities for these children in this major agricultural hub in southern China. Methods: Leveraging a comprehensive approach that integrates online searches, official data, and other information-gathering techniques, the paper delves into the specifics of the challenge.The SIPS model, consisting of Resonance, Confirmation, Participation, and Sharing, offers a fresh perspective on tackling the challenge of promoting reading among these children. It explores how the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including university student volunteers, government agencies, and private enterprises, can harness tools such as simulated data and data integration methods to gain a nuanced understanding of the reading needs, obstacles, and untapped resources of left-behind children. Results: The paper outlines a series of actionable strategies under the SIPS model to advance reading promotion activities for left-behind children in rural Meizhou, thereby fostering their holistic development and contributing to local rural progress. Conclusion: By engaging stakeholders and utilizing methods like simulation data and data integration, the paper proposes practical strategies to create a richer and healthier reading environment for left-behind children, ultimately contributing to their development and the overall progress of rural communities.

Impacts on the quality of surface water in a urban perimeter of the Rio Grande watershed, Brazilian Cerrado.

The aim of this study was to assess the spatiotemporal variation in water quality in the Grande River and the Ondas River, in the city of Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil. Water samples were collected at 11 points along the rivers, and eight physical-chemical parameters (electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, apparent and true color, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand) and three microbiological indicators (heterotrophic bacteria, total and thermotolerant coliforms) were analyzed. Spatiotemporal variation was assessed using the multivariate techniques of principal component analysis/factorial analysis (PCA/FA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The results of the PCA/FA highlighted eight of the eleven parameters as the main ones responsible for the variations in water quality, with the greatest increase in these parameters being observed in the rainy season, especially among the points influenced by sewage discharges and by the influence of the urban area. The CA grouped the results from 11 points into three main groups: group 1 corresponded to points influenced by sewage discharges; group 2 grouped points with mainly urban influences; and group 3 grouped points in rural areas. These groupings showed the negative influence of urbanization and also statistically significant variations between the groups and periods. The most degraded conditions were in group 1, and the least degraded conditions were in group 3. Assessment of the variations between the monitoring periods showed that rainfall had a significant impact on the increase or decrease in the parameters assessed, as a result of surface runoff linked to urbanization and increased river flow.

Florida sandhill crane survival along a wildland‐to‐urban land use gradient

AbstractThe Florida sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis pratensis) is a state‐threatened non‐migratory subspecies. Our understanding of adult crane survival in Florida, USA, is unclear, as it relies on decades‐old unpublished data of birds residing in natural areas. Since that time, the loss of natural habitat precipitated cranes using urbanized areas such as suburban lawns and roadside verges for foraging and loafing. Contemporary studies are needed to properly guide crane management and conservation efforts. We addressed this knowledge gap by estimating the annual survival rate for sandhill cranes in 12 central Florida counties. We used a live‐dead capture‐recapture multistate model, monitoring 118 adult cranes from June 2017 to May 2023; 76 were color‐banded and 42 were tagged with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) transmitters. Fifteen cranes died during the study, with vehicle strikes (n = 9) being the most prevalent identified source of mortality. Overall, the annual survival probability was estimated at 0.79 (95% credibility interval = 0.75–0.84). Using the subset of GSM‐tagged cranes, we observed no influence of urbanization on annual survival rate (βurbanization gradient = 0.007, 95% credibility interval = −0.008, 0.022). The adult survival rates we observed are lower than reported for other populations of sandhill cranes in North America that are considered stable or growing.

A Modeling Framework of Atmospheric CO2 in the Mediterranean Marseille Coastal City Area, France

As atmospheric CO2 emissions and the trend of urbanization both increase, the ability to accurately assess the CO2 budget from urban environments becomes more important for effective CO2 mitigation efforts. This task can be difficult for complex areas such as the urban–coastal Mediterranean region near Marseille, France, which contains the second most populous city in France as well as a broad coastline and nearby mountainous terrain. In this study, we establish a CO2 modeling framework for this region for the first time using WRF-Chem and demonstrate its efficacy through comparisons against cavity-ringdown spectrometer measurements recorded at three sites: one 75 km north of the city in a forested area, one in the city center, and one at the urban/coastal border. A seasonal CO2 analysis compares Summertime 2016 and Wintertime 2017, to which Springtime 2017 is also added due to its noticeably larger vegetation uptake values compared to Summertime. We find that there is a large biogenic signal, even in and around Marseille itself, though this may be a consequence of having limited fine-scale information on vegetation parameterization in the region. We further find that simulations without the urban heat island module had total CO2 values 0.46 ppm closer to the measured enhancement value at the coastal Endoume site during the Summertime 2016 period than with the module turned on. This may indicate that the boundary layer on the coast is less sensitive to urban influences than it is to sea-breeze interactions, which is consistent with previous studies of the region. A back-trajectory analysis with the Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model found 99.83% of emissions above 100 mol km−2 month−1 captured in Summer 2016 by the three measurement towers, providing evidence of the receptors’ ability to constrain the domain. Finally, a case study showcases the model’s ability to capture the rapid change in CO2 when transitioning between land-breeze and sea-breeze conditions as well as the recirculation of air from the industrial Fos region towards the Marseille metroplex. In total, the presented modeling framework should open the door to future CO2 investigations in the region, which can inform policymakers carrying out CO2 mitigation strategies.

Intersecting impacts: urban noise pollution on sleep quality and mental health outcomes

This study probes the intricate dynamics between urban noise pollution, sleep quality, and mental health, centering on Generation Z-those in their formative years and early adulthood. It aims to illuminate the particular impacts of environmental noise on the well-being of these younger urban dwellers. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the research assesses how persistent urban noise exposure perturbs sleep-a critical factor in psychological health-and fosters stress, anxiety, and depression in this demographic. By integrating objective acoustical measurements with Gen Z's subjective health reports, the methodology quantifies urban noise's influence on sleep and its ripple effects on mental health. Additionally, it evaluates noise mitigation strategies like soundproofing and urban greenery, for their potential to mitigate these adverse outcomes. Mapping the nexus between environmental noise, sleep disturbance, and mental health concerns among Generation Z, the study seeks to enrich understanding and guide interventions for improved urban habitats, better sleep, and enhanced mental well-being, addressing a significant public health issue.

Prevalence and Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy in a Densely Populated Suburban Area of Tianjin, China – The Beichen Eye Study

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore the prevalence, associated risk factors, and the influence of urbanization on the epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey residents aged 50 and older in the Beichen community, Tianjin. Participants underwent thorough examinations, including questionnaire surveys, laboratory blood tests, eye assessments, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. DR was diagnosed using the retinopathy severity scale from fundus photographs based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification system. DME was identified through medical history records and OCT evaluations. In this study, we analyzed and assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with DR and DME. ResultsThe study included 5,648 participants, and 1,182 of these were diagnosed with diabetes. Among the diabetic individuals, the prevalence of DR was 28.8%. Among the eyes of those diagnosed with DR, 37.12% had mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 54.81% had moderate NPDR, 6.35% (33 eyes) showed severe NPDR, and 1.73% had proliferative DR (PDR). The prevalence of DME among diabetic patients was 14.13%. Age was negatively correlated with DR (OR, 0.924), while blood glucose levels (OR, 1.123) and the duration of diabetes (OR, 1.090) were positively correlated. Additionally, blood glucose levels (OR, 1.121) and the duration of diabetes (OR, 1.070) were positively associated with DME. ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of DR and DME was high in the Beichen District of Tianjin than in other parts of China. Maintaining effective glycemic control is the most important modifiable factor in reducing the risk of DR and DME progression and minimizing the risk of vision loss.

Study of spatial spillover effects and threshold characteristics of the influence of urbanization on grain green production efficiency in China under carbon constraints.

Food security is a basic guarantee for maintaining social stability, and improving green and healthy grain production is the way to promote food security. China is currently experiencing rapid urbanization that has an impact on grain production and security, with reduced arable land, environmental pollution, insufficient agricultural population, and inadequate resource allocation. How to deal with the relationship between urbanization and grain production becomes the key to solve this problem. Therefore, this study constructs an evaluation system of grain green production efficiency (GGPE) with non-expected output containing carbon emissions, and uses the super-efficient SBM model to measure the level of GGPE, and constructs a spatial econometric model to examine the spatial correlation and spillover effect of urbanization on GGPE; then constructs a panel threshold model to analyze the nonlinear threshold characteristics between urbanization and GGPE. It was found that (1) from 2000 to 2019, China's GGPE showed an overall upward trend, and the performance of GGPE varied among different provinces. (2) According to the results of the spatial econometric model, China's GGPE shows obvious spatial characteristics, and the level of urbanization not only directly affects regional GGPE but also can indirectly affect neighboring regions' GGPE through spatial spillover effects, and the indirect effects among regions are larger than the direct effects. (3) Spatial threshold effect results, there is a significant non-linear threshold characteristic of the impact of urbanization rate on GGPE. In terms of the influence effects of other variables, the influence of each variable on GGPE is roughly in the same direction as the influence under the spatial spillover effect, but the degree of influence is slightly different.

Impact of urbanization and human development on ecological footprints in OECD and non-OECD countries

Ecological footprints play a crucial role in assessing how human activities impact the environment, serving as key indicators. This study investigates the influence of urbanization and human development controlling for GDP and industrialization on ecological footprints, focusing on both OECD and non-OECD countries during the period from 1990 to 2018. The investigation employs an open-access solution framework and utilizes the Generalized Method of Moments approach for analysis. The findings highlight distinct patterns between OECD and non-OECD countries. In OECD countries, ecological footprints are increasing with urbanization and GDP growth while showcasing a negative impact of the Human Development Index (HDI) and industrialization on ecological footprint. Conversely, non-OECD countries demonstrate a positive impact of GDP and HDI on ecological footprints, while there is a negative impact of industrialization and urbanization on ecological footprints. These disparities underscore the need for tailored environmental strategies based on a country's economic and developmental status. The results underscore the importance of investing in the renewable energy sector and implementing stringent environmental policies to mitigate the environmental impact of human activities. This evidence reinforces the urgency for countries, irrespective of their OECD status, to take proactive measures to safeguard the planet from further environmental hazards.

Assessment of water quality and identification of priority areas for intervention in Guanabara Bay basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using nonparametric and multivariate statistical methods.

The Guanabara Bay hydrographic region (GBHR) has served as a central hub for human settlement and resource utilization throughout Brazil's history. However, the region's high population density and intense industrial activity have come at a cost, leading to a significant decline in water quality. This work aimed to identify homogeneous regions in GBHR according to water quality parameters in dry and rainy periods. The following water quality monitoring variables were monitored at 49 gauge stations: total phosphorus (TP), nitrate (NO3-), dissolved oxygen (DO), hydrogenionic potential (pH), turbidity (Turb), thermotolerant coliforms (TCol), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), water temperature (Tw), and air temperature (Ta). The statistical analysis consisted of determining principal components, cluster analysis, seasonal differences, and Spearman's correlation. The water quality parameter correlations were not expressively influenced by seasonality, but there are differences in the concentrations of these parameters in the dry and rainy periods. In the dry period, urban pressure on water quality is mainly due to fecal coliforms. The resulting clusters delimited areas under urban, agricultural, and forestry influence. Clusters located in areas with high demographic density showed high concentrations of TCol and TP, while clusters influenced by forestry and agriculture had better water quality. In the rainy season, clusters with urban influence showed problems with TCol and TP, in addition to some characteristics in each group, such as high TDS, NO3-, and BOD. Forested areas showed high DO, and clusters under agricultural influence had higher concentrations of TCol, BOD, and NO3- concerning forested regions. The troubling state of sanitation in GBHR occurs in metropolitan regions due to lack of a formal sanitation system.

Global scale assessment of urban precipitation anomalies

Urbanization has accelerated dramatically across the world over the past decades. Urban influence on surface temperatures is now being considered as a correction term in climatological datasets. Although prior research has investigated urban influences on precipitation for specific cities or selected thunderstorm cases, a comprehensive examination of urban precipitation anomalies on a global scale remains limited. This research is a global analysis of urban precipitation anomalies for over one thousand cities worldwide. We find that more than 60% of the global cities and their downwind regions are receiving more precipitation than the surrounding rural areas. Moreover, the magnitude of these urban wet islands has nearly doubled in the past 20 y. Urban precipitation anomalies exhibit variations across different continents and climates, with cities in Africa, for example, exhibiting the largest urban annual and extreme precipitation anomalies. Cities are more prone to substantial urban precipitation anomalies under warm and humid climates compared to cold and dry climates. Cities with larger populations, pronounced urban heat island effects, and higher aerosol loads also show noticeable precipitation enhancements. This research maps global urban rainfall hotspots, establishing a foundation for the consideration of urban rainfall corrections in climatology datasets. This advancement holds promise for projecting extreme precipitation and fostering the development of more resilient cities in the future.

Changes in the funeral customs of Catholic people in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city (1954 – 2024) – A view from "Cultural Relativity" Theory

Catholic is a global religion, so Catholic funerals organization expresses Catholic belief in the Resurrection and the cultural nuances of each nation. Over the past 70 years (from 1954 to 2024), the organization of Catholic funerals in Saigon (SG) - Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) has undergone many changes because of urbanization influence and immigration waves as well as cultural diversity of local Catholic communities. This article will present some characteristics of Catholic funerals in SG-HCMC and important changes in dealing with the deceased's body.

Impacts of urbanization on urban-rural VPD disparities across different subregions in China: A quantitative analysis based on station-pairing and partial differential methods

The climatic disparities between urban cores and surrounding rural areas have become increasingly pronounced due to rapid urbanization. The vapor pressure deficit (VPD) serves as a critical meteorological indicator reflecting atmospheric aridity, and identifying the contributions of urban and rural climate factors on the urban-rural VPD disparities plays an important role in understanding urban climate and ecosystem development patterns. This study introduces a quantitative method, utilizing partial differential equations, to assess the relative contributions of two crucial meteorological factors—air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH)—toward urban-rural differences in VPD. Analyzing daily scale data from 116 pairs of urban and rural stations across mainland China for the period 2000–2017, we derived several key findings: Urban areas generally exhibit higher VPD than surrounding rural areas, with a relative difference in annual VPD of about 21.6 %, and the disparity increases over time. Furthermore, the influence of urbanization on VPD responds differently across seasons and geographical conditions. The simulated trends in VPD urban-rural differences using the partial differential method align closely with the actual observed trends, validating the effectiveness of our quantitative analysis approach. The VPD urban-rural disparity shows greater sensitivity to shifts in RH, with sensitivity coefficients exceeding 1.5 times to changes in T in most cases. RH is the primary factor causing VPD urban-rural differences in mainland China, and the relative contribution of RH is about 2.5 times of T. The patterns of sensitivity and the contribution of factors exhibit notable variation among subregions. This study enhances the understanding of how urbanization affects regional climate and provides insights for assessing the environmental impacts of future urban expansion.