Impact of urban water bodies and green spaces on the spatial distribution of heat island effects: A case study of New York

Tang, Tingxuan

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129160 Copy

Description

Title

Impact of urban water bodies and green spaces on the spatial distribution of heat island effects: A case study of New York

Author(s)

Tang, Tingxuan

Issue Date

2025-05-09

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Greenlee, Andrew

Committee Member(s)

Dave, Mudita

Department of Study

Urban & Regional Planning

Discipline

Urban Planning

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.U.P.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Heat Island Effect
• Water Bodies and Green Spaces
• Urban Planning
• Spatial Distribution Characteristics
• Climate Adaptation

Abstract

With the intensification of global climate change, urban heat island effects have become one of the key factors affecting urban sustainability. As a densely populated and economically developed city, New York has experienced profound impacts from heat island effects, influencing its ecological environment, urban quality of life, and energy consumption. This study, based on the spatial distribution characteristics of the heat island effect in New York City, explores the role of water bodies and green spaces in mitigating heat island effects. It proposes strategies for optimizing urban environmental regulation, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for future urban and climate adaptation planning. By analyzing remote sensing and meteorological data from New York between 2020 and 2024, the study reveals the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of the heat island effect. The results show that the heat island intensity exhibits clear seasonal variation, with the most significant effect occurring during summer nights. Heat island effects vary significantly across different regions, with the central urban areas and industrial zones being most severely impacted, while some suburban areas show more moderate temperature fluctuations. The study further explores the spatial relationship between water bodies and green spaces and finds that the cooling effect of water bodies and the evapotranspiration of green spaces play important roles in alleviating local temperature increases. Through spatial analysis and model construction, this study proposes a comprehensive regulatory mechanism for the heat island effect based on the synergistic interaction of water bodies and green spaces. Water bodies reduce surrounding temperatures through evaporative cooling and heat capacity effects, while green spaces effectively lower surface temperatures by increasing vegetation cover and evapotranspiration. Combining urban spatial layout optimization, this research suggests spatial layout strategies for the synergistic effects of water bodies and green spaces, providing feasible planning recommendations for heat island effect regulation in urban areas. In response to the challenges of climate change, the study advocates for greater attention to the rational layout of water bodies and green spaces in urban planning and the integration of green infrastructure, forming an interdisciplinary mechanism for heat island effect regulation. The innovation of this research lies in the comprehensive use of remote sensing data and GIS technology to conduct in-depth analysis of the heat island effect in New York City. It explores the influence mechanisms of water bodies and green spaces at different spatial scales and proposes specific strategies for climate adaptation planning. The findings provide valuable insights for other cities worldwide in addressing heat island effects and optimizing urban spatial structures.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129160

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Tingxuan Tang

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