Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a well-documented phenomenon in which urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas. As cities continue to expand rapidly, understanding the implications and mechanisms of the UHI effect becomes crucial for effective urban planning and climate mitigation strategies. This thesis aims to analyze the UHI effect in a rapidly growing city, focusing on its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The chapter sets the foundation for the subsequent chapters by establishing the context and rationale for studying the UHI effect in the context of a rapidly growing city. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review that synthesizes existing research on the UHI effect, urbanization trends, climate change impacts, and mitigation strategies. The chapter discusses the factors contributing to the UHI effect, including land use changes, urban morphology, and anthropogenic heat emissions, providing a theoretical framework for the empirical analysis conducted in this study. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the data collection methods, analytical techniques, and study area selection criteria. The chapter discusses the spatial and temporal scales of the analysis, as well as the tools and models used to assess the UHI effect in the rapidly growing city under investigation. Chapter Four presents the findings of the analysis, discussing the spatial distribution of temperature variations, the relationship between land cover types and surface temperatures, and the influence of urban morphology on the UHI effect. The chapter also evaluates the effectiveness of existing green infrastructure and urban design strategies in mitigating the UHI effect, providing insights for future urban planning interventions. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for urban planning and climate resilience, and proposing recommendations for policy makers and stakeholders. The chapter highlights the importance of addressing the UHI effect in rapidly growing cities to promote sustainable urban development and enhance the well-being of urban residents. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the UHI effect by providing a detailed analysis of its manifestation in a rapidly growing city. By identifying the drivers of the UHI effect and evaluating potential mitigation strategies, this study offers valuable insights for informing evidence-based urban planning decisions and fostering climate-resilient urban development in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Analysis of urban heat island effect in a rapidly growing city" aims to investigate the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs) in a city experiencing rapid population growth and urban development. Urban heat islands refer to the localized areas within urban centers that exhibit significantly higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas. This project seeks to analyze and understand the extent and characteristics of the urban heat island effect within the context of a city undergoing rapid expansion. The rapid growth of urban areas, driven by factors such as population increase, infrastructure development, and land-use changes, can exacerbate the urban heat island effect. As cities expand, natural landscapes are replaced by buildings, roads, and other impervious surfaces that absorb and retain heat, leading to elevated temperatures in urban areas. Understanding the dynamics of urban heat islands in the context of a rapidly growing city is crucial for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers to develop effective strategies for mitigating the adverse impacts of heat islands on urban environments and inhabitants. This research overview will delve into the key components of the project, including the objectives, methodology, significance, and potential contributions to the field of urban geography and environmental science. By examining the spatial and temporal patterns of the urban heat island effect in a rapidly growing city, this project aims to provide valuable insights into the drivers and impacts of UHIs in urban areas experiencing rapid urbanization. The research will involve the collection and analysis of temperature data from various locations within the city to assess the magnitude and spatial distribution of the urban heat island effect. Additionally, remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) will be utilized to map and visualize the heat island intensity across different land cover types and urban land uses. By integrating field measurements, satellite imagery, and spatial analysis, this study will offer a comprehensive understanding of the urban heat island effect in the context of rapid urban growth. Furthermore, the research will explore the relationship between urban heat islands and factors such as land cover, population density, vegetation cover, and urban morphology. By identifying the drivers of the heat island effect in a rapidly growing city, this project aims to inform urban planning strategies that promote sustainable urban development and climate resilience. The findings of this research could contribute to the development of targeted mitigation measures and urban design interventions to reduce the impact of urban heat islands on urban environments and enhance the quality of life for city residents. In conclusion, the project on the analysis of urban heat island effect in a rapidly growing city represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the complex interactions between urbanization, climate change, and urban heat islands. By investigating the spatial and temporal dynamics of UHIs in a rapidly developing urban context, this research aims to advance knowledge in urban climatology and environmental planning and provide actionable insights for building more sustainable and resilient cities in the face of climate change and rapid urban growth.