DYNAMICS OF THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND OVER LUTSK DURING 2013–2023

Abstract

In the 21st century the level of urbanization is constantly growing both in the world and in Ukraine. In the Volyn region, the largest city is Lutsk. In Lutsk, as in any large city, its own microclimate is formed, the features of which are determined by the nature of the underlying surface and circulation processes in the atmosphere, relief, distribution of green areas and water bodies, location of industrial zones and other natural and anthropogenic factors. One of the manifestations of the influence of a large city on regional climate features is the formation of an urban heat island. The phenomenon of a heat island affects the work of urban utilities and transport, it can lead to changes in the local microclimate, for example, increase the discomfort of city residents in the summer due to the influence of hyperthermia.Therefore, its study is an urgent scientific task.The purpose of the work – research into the conditions of formation, dynamics, structure and environmental consequences of the urban heat island in Lutsk. Tasks of the work: 1) using a comparative analysis of space satellite infrared images of the Lutsk territory, assess the distribution and origin of heat island formation centers over the city in annual dynamics and under different weather conditions during the period 2013–2023; 2) conduct a series of instrumental measurements of air temperature in Lutsk and its surroundings with subsequent evaluation of the results;3) investigate the existence of a connection between the type and nature of meteorological conditions and manifestations of the heat island; 4) develop proposals for improving the microclimate of the city and its individual microdistricts in the context of the problem being studied.In the process of preparing the work, analytical, descriptive, comparative-evaluative, mathematical- statistical and graphic methods were used. Typical methods and algorithms of statistical and graphic analysis in MS Excel, instrumental and cartographic methods.The conditions for the formation and annual dynamics of the urban heat island in Lutsk were determined; areas and sections of the city with strong manifestations of elevated air temperature and active surface were identified; differences in temperature fields in the city and in the suburban area were assessed; a series of graphs, diagrams, cartograms were developed based on the results of instrumental measurements and their analysis; proposals were developed to improve the microclimate of the city and its individual microdistricts. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time a detailed analysis of the manifestations of the urban heat island over Lutsk was carried out using a combination of remote sensing methods and instrumental analysis. The practical application of the obtained results is possible in the field of planning urban development measures to adapt to climate change and the increase in cases of periods of extreme heat (greening, energy-saving technologies, planning a network of artificial water bodies in the city, optimization of the work of municipal structures and transport).