The Influence of Land Cover on Spatio-Temporal Variation of Air Temperature in Grogol District, Central Java – Indonesia

Abstract

As an urban fringe of Surakarta City-Indonesia, Grogol District is experienced by increasing temperature. The purpose of this study is: 1) to determine the spatial and temporal variations of air temperature in the Grogol District and 2) to determine the difference in air temperature between built-up land cover and non-built-up land cover, particularly rice fields. Air temperature data was obtained by temperature data logger from four sample points on October 27th to December 13th, 2021. Air temperature and land cover data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics as well as spatial interpolation on air temperature data. The result indicates that higher air temperatures are spread over the northern part which is dominated by settlements. Lower air temperatures are found in the southern part which is dominated by rice fields. The temporal variation of air temperature at the four sample points shows almost the same pattern. However, the air temperature was higher in the built-up land cover than in the rice fields. The statistical difference test also showed that there were differences between the two land covers. In conclusion, Grogol District is affected by the urban heat island phenomenon from Surakarta City. This is particularly related to land cover change and increasing population. Therefore, to prevent the increasing temperature, the protection of the open greenspace area should be implemented.