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Modeling the Impacts of Urbanization on Summer Thermal Comfort: The Role of Urban Land Use and Anthropogenic Heat
Author(s) -
Yang Ben,
Yang Xuchao,
Leung L. Ruby,
Zhong Shiyuan,
Qian Yun,
Zhao Chun,
Chen Feng,
Zhang Yaocun,
Qi Jiaguo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1029/2018jd029829
Subject(s) - urban heat island , environmental science , urbanization , urban climate , daytime , urban climatology , latent heat , land use , atmospheric sciences , limiting , delta , climatology , meteorology , physical geography , geography , ecology , aerospace engineering , geology , engineering , biology , mechanical engineering
Urban land use and anthropogenic heat (AH) emission can considerably influence the human thermal comfort during extreme heat events. In this study, a spatially heterogeneous AH emission data and updated urban land use data are integrated into the Weather Research and Forecasting model to simulate the physical processes of urban warming during summer. Simulations conducted in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of east China suggest that the mean urban heat island intensity reaches 1.49 °C in urbanized areas during summer, with AH emission making a considerable contribution. The warming effect due to urban land use is intensified during extremely hot days, but in contrast, the AH effects are slightly reduced. Urban development increases the total thermal discomfort hours by 27% in the urban areas of YRD, with AH and urban land use contributing nearly equal amount. By limiting the daytime latent heat release, urban land use reduces the daily maximum heat stress particularly during extremely hot days; however, such alleviations can be offset by the AH emission. Strategies for mitigation of urban heat island effect and heat stress in cities should therefore include measures to reduce AH emission.