Mechanisms of Land Use Impact on Urban Heat Island Effect and Case Studies

Abstract

Urbanization-induced land use changes exacerbate the urban heat island (UHI) effect by altering surface energy balance, requiring in-depth mechanistic exploration. This study clarifies how core land use types, including building density, green space structure, water allocation and transportation land, quantitatively affect UHI intensity, validated via typical urban cases. Using literature review and empirical analysis, it sorts land use-UHI correlations, then quantitatively analyzes representative urban areas with multi-source remote sensing and ground data, focusing on key factors like building density and green space scale. Findings show that built-up land density correlates positively with surface temperature and UHI intensity. Urban green spaces create a "cold island effect" via transpiration and shading; their cooling efficiency rises with scale, better connectivity and optimal tree-shrub-grass layered structures. Water bodies’ cooling depends on area, morphology and distance from heat sources. Dense road networks, transportation hubs and asphalt paving intensify local heat retention and radiation. The study confirms UHI can be mitigated by controlling building density, upgrading green spaces, optimizing water layout and improving transportation materials, providing a scientific basis for sustainable, livable urban development.