Spatio-Temporal Differentiation Characteristics and Driving Factors of Urban Thermal Environment: A Case Study in Shaanxi Province, China

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and global warming have led to a series of ecological and health problems caused by the deterioration of urban thermal environment (UTE). Using a comprehensive analysis of meteorological and remote sensing data for Shaanxi Province, a model of urban thermal differentiation (UTD) was developed, and the spatio-temporal characteristics of UTE in different regions were analyzed. Using the Geo-explore model, natural and socio-economic factors were chosen to explain the spatio-temporal distribution changes in UTE. The results showed that the UTD and Geo-explore models can be used to estimate spatio-temporal differentiation characteristics and change patterns of UTE. This method can describe UTE’s spatial distribution and change characteristics well, making it suitable for multiple-perspective evaluations. In Shaanxi Province, the spatio-temporal distribution of UTE shows a decreasing trend from south to north and east to west. After 2000, the UTD showed a relatively stable performance in the Southern, Central, and Northern regions. The atmospheric temperature (AT) varied greatly across regions due to different factors. UTE mitigation and improved urban design can be achieved using this method.