3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
[HTT14-08] Spatiotemporal Characterization and Evolution of Surface Urban Heat Islands in Tokyo: A Perspective from Land Cover/Use Layouts and Variations
Keywords:Land Cover/Use, Land Surface Temperature, Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Urban Sustainability, Surface Urban Heat Island
The surface urban heat islands (SUHI) phenomenon in the urban context has gained considerable attention due to the climate crisis and environmental health issues. Targeting Tokyo Metropolitan Area (TMA) as a critical case, this study profiled and clarified the spatial variations, relationships, and trends between land surface temperature (LST) and land cover/use from 2001 to 2015 based on multi-source spatial data. Toward an in-depth understanding of SUHI dynamics in TMA for mitigation solutions and appropriate urban policies, this study conducted an integrative investigation by examining the spatiotemporal evolution of thermal gradients between the urban and non-urban fabric areas and delineating the layouts of thermal cores in TMA. The spatial interconnections between SUHI and its potential driving forces were explored and identified by incorporating spatial regression analysis. Results indicate that Tokyo was recognized as a polynucleated-structure metropolitan area distributing multiple intense thermal island clusters over space. Thermal islands densely emerged in the compact low/middle-rise residential quarters and renovating regions, rather than in the central business districts of TMA. High-rise buildings shielding solar radiation, the contributions of large-scale water bodies and urban afforestation, and sea breezes’ impacts might result in this phenomenon. In light of this, this study suggests that the local authorities consider delineating the thermal cores areas, alleviating the magnitude of persistent thermal islands area, and controlling the emergence and formation of new thermal cores, coupled with partitioned or location-specified landscape-designing and green measures. Findings from this study can strive to tackle the urban climate issues and contribute to broader planning considerations on future sustainable development.