Review of urban water thermal environment cooling

Abstract The urban underlying surface undergoes constant changes due to the acceleration of urbanization. The increasingly prominent heat island phenomenon has led to higher energy consumption and worsened thermal conditions, significantly impacting people’s daily outdoor activities and health. Water bodies, as a unique form of underlying surface, play a crucial role in enhancing the urban microclimate through their large heat capacity, high latent heat of evaporation, and low reflectivity. Previous research on the thermal comfort effect of water bodies primarily focuses on meteorology, environmental science, and landscape architecture. While quantitative studies have been conducted at both macro-scale city regions and micro-scale field domains to investigate the mechanisms behind these effects, there is a lack of translation from data into practical application strategies. In this study, we aim to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to review previous research achievements comprehensively. Firstly, we will examine the mechanisms and influencing factors involved in water body thermal regulation. Secondly, we will explore major methods and techniques for cooling urban water bodies while establishing an interactive model that considers landscape elements alongside physical factors affecting microclimate conditions. By developing a climate-adaptive design framework that addresses human thermal comfort requirements effectively, our goal is to create more livable and sustainable urban environments through scientifically sound strategies for cooling urban water bodies.