Spatio‐Temporal Variation of Air Pollutants, Rainfall, and Land Surface Temperature Over Open‐Pit Korba Coalfield, Chhattisgarh (India), Using Google Earth Engine

This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land surface temperature (LST), rainfall, and air quality in the Korba region, Chhattisgarh, India, from 1981 to 2023, with LST analyzed from 2000 to 2023. Using satellite data (e.g., Sentinel‐5P) and Google Earth Engine (GEE), we identified significant seasonal and spatial variations in LST, with coal mining and industrial activities driving elevated temperatures (34°C–41°C) in southern and central areas during pre‐monsoon months, while northern vegetated regions remained cooler. Rainfall exhibited strong monsoon peaks (9–10 mm/day), enhanced by orographic effects from the Dev‐Pahadi hill range, contrasting with low winter (0.39–0.99 mm/day) and post‐monsoon (0.9–1.2 mm/day) precipitation. Air quality analysis revealed higher concentrations of NO 2 , SO 2 , O 3 , CO, CH 4 , and HCHO in northeastern and eastern mining zones, with winter peaks due to atmospheric inversions and industrial emissions. A paired t ‐test showed a significant correlation between urban expansion and aerosol optical depth (AOD) ( t (23) = 13.311, p = 2.716E‐12, r = 0.693), with peaks linked to industrial and population growth, though recent declines suggest effective pollution controls. These findings highlight the interplay of anthropogenic activities, climatic variability, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning and integrated management strategies. By leveraging GEE, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers to enhance ecological resilience and promote sustainable development in coal mining regions like Korba.