Analysis of synergies between Urban Heat Island and Heat Waves using Sentinel-3 images over the city of Granada

Abstract

Understanding the synergies between the Urban Heat Island (ICU) phenomenon and one of the extreme climatic events such as heat waves has become one of the great challenges of society that seeks to improve the quality of life. In this research, the Terrestrial Surface Temperature (TST) and the Urban Surface Heat Island (ICUS) have been determined using Sentinel-3 images of the city of Granada (Spain) during the months of July and August of the years 2019 and 2020. The purpose is to determine the possible synergies between both phenomena in an area classified as highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Using the Data Panel statistical analysis method, multivariate relationships were obtained during the heat wave periods. The results obtained, in line with previous research, indicate that TST and ICUS are intensified under heat wave conditions (Daytime: TST=2.2 °C and ICUS=0.2 °C; Nighttime: TST=4.4 °C and ICUS= 0.3 °C) and there are relationships between ICUS and wind direction and solar radiation that intensify in periods of heat wave. © 2022, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia.. All rights reserved.