Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Land Surface Temperature Across the Indus Plain, Pakistan: A Satellite Remote Sensing Approach

Abstract

The Indus Plain, characterized by subtropical and continental climates, experiences notable variations in land surface temperature influenced by anthropogenic activities and climate change. This study examines the trends in land surface temperature (LST) across different latitudes of the Indus Plain using available MODIS Global dataset from 2000 to 2022. Through raster-to-vector conversion, boundary delineation, and image clipping, the study preprocesses data. Utilizing the LST Model equation, temperatures are computed, and statistical analysis discerns trends. Spatial interpolation, particularly the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method of spatial interpolation, aids in pattern generation. The analysis reveals a significant increase in both annual and seasonal land surface temperatures over higher latitudes, while lower latitudes in Pakistan exhibit a slight decreasing trend. The overall temperature rise amounts to 0.39 °C over the past two decades. These findings hold crucial implications for urban management and decision-making processes, particularly in land-use planning to mitigate rising surface temperatures and foster sustainable cities. Furthermore, understanding the spatial patterns of temperature variation aids in resource management and enhances weather forecasting capabilities. Leveraging land surface temperature analysis contributes to better assessments of water availability, soil moisture, and evapo-transpiration monitoring, thus informing adaptive strategies for climate resilience in the region. The LST dynamics and their implications for environmental management and urban planning, offering insights for sustainable regional development strategies.