Understanding the Relationship between Urban Biophysical Composition and Land Surface Temperature in a Hot Desert Megacity (Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The deteriorations of the thermal environment due to extreme land surface temperature (LST) has become one of the most serious environmental problems in urban areas. The spatial distribution of urban biophysical composition (UBC) has a significant impact on the LST. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship between LST and biophysical physical composition (BPC) to mitigate the effects of UHIs. In this study, an attempt was made to understand the relationship between LST and BPC in a hot desert coastal megacity (Jeddah megacity) in Saudi Arabia. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to understand the factors affecting LST based on remote sensing indices. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out to understand the relationship between LST and BPC and the impact of BPC on LST. The results showed that, in Jeddah city from 2000 to 2021, there was a substantial increase in the built-up area, which increased from 3085 to 5557.98 hectares. Impervious surfaces had a significant impact on the LST, and green infrastructure (GI) was negatively correlated with LST. Based on the PCA results, we found that the GI was a significant factor affecting the LST in Jeddah megacity. The findings of this study, though not contributing to further understanding of the impact of BPC on LST, will provide planners and policy makers with a foundation for developing very effective strategies to improve the eco-environmental quality of Jeddah megacity.