Research on Urban Heat-Island Effect

Urban heat island (UHI) effect is a kind of heat accumulation phenomenon within urban area due to urban construction and human activities. It is recognized as the most evident characteristic of urban climate. The increase of land surface temperature caused by UHI effect will definitely influence material flow and energy flow in urban ecological systems, as well as alter their structure and functions, exerting a series of ecological and environmental effects on urban climates, urban hydrologic situations, soil properties, atmospheric environment, biological habits, material cycles, energy metabolism and residents’ health. Through the improvement of energy efficiency, urban landscape optimization, green roof construction, high reflectivity material utilization and green land cultivation, UHI effects could be significantly mitigated. Based on remote sensing technology and numerical simulation methods, research on the ecological and environmental effects of UHI has been multi-scaled conducted, providing theoretical reference for the improvement of urban ecological environment and realization of urban sustainable development.