Temporal Analysis of Land Surface Temperatures Dynamics In Damascus, Syria, Using Google Earth Engine

This study uses remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to investigate the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon in Damascus, Syria, over ten years (2013-2022). The study uses Google Earth Engine, Landsat 8, and MODIS data to investigate surface temperature dynamics and their relationship to the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalised Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). The results show a significant increase in urbanized areas at the expense of green spaces. Observe an increase in urbanized areas from 2013 (0.2) to 2022 (0.27). Land Surface Temperature (LST) analysis reveals higher temperatures in 2022 compared to 2013. A temperature increase of 1.6 °C is observed, indicating the presence of a UHI during the day. Spatial variations in the heat island are consistent with industrial concentrations. Linear regression analyses show a negative correlation between NDVI and LST, indicating that vegetative cover decreases as temperatures rise. In contrast, a strong positive correlation is observed between NDBI and temperature, highlighting the impact of built-up areas on elevated temperatures.