Understanding the factors contributing in the formation of canopy level urban heat island – a case study of Nagpur city

Abstract

Many Indian cities are today facing issues like overcrowding, deteriorating air quality, overloaded infrastructure and increase in air temperature, which directly affect comfort level and quality of life of residents. Central Indian city of Nagpur is no exception to this phenomenon. Current research work involves understanding & investigation of factors contributing to development of urban canopy level heat island in the city of Nagpur. It also involves finding out the temperature distribution patterns within urban canyons, by recording and analyzing field data. As most of the human activities occur in this layer, the comfort level of residents is directly affected by any increase in temperature in this zone. The paper discusses a correlation between ambient air temperature and variables of canyons such as vegetation, height-width ratio of buildings and streets, materials of horizontal and vertical surfaces, colors of surfaces & type of land use; and analyzes variation in air temperature in different parts of the city of Nagpur during summer. The results might prove useful for developing more resilient built environment not only for city of Nagpur, but also for other cities in south Asia with similar characteristics.