Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Aerosol Optical Depth in Zhejiang Province: Insights from Land Use Dynamics and Transportation Networks Based on Remote Sensing

Qi Wang, Ben Wang, Wanlin Kong, Jiali Wu, Zhifeng Yu, Xiwen Wu () and Xiaohong Yuan ()
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Qi Wang: Institute of Remote Sensing and Earth Sciences, School of Information Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Ben Wang: Institute of Remote Sensing and Earth Sciences, School of Information Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Wanlin Kong: Hangzhou Meteorological Bureau, Hangzhou 310051, China
Jiali Wu: Institute of Remote Sensing and Earth Sciences, School of Information Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Zhifeng Yu: Institute of Remote Sensing and Earth Sciences, School of Information Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Xiwen Wu: Zhejiang Meteorological Service Center, Hangzhou 310002, China
Xiaohong Yuan: Institute of Remote Sensing and Earth Sciences, School of Information Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-15

Abstract: Aerosol optical depth (AOD) serves as a critical indicator for atmospheric aerosol monitoring and air quality assessment, and quantifies the radiative attenuation caused by airborne particulate matter. This study uses MODIS remote sensing imagery together with land use transition datasets (2000–2020) and road network density metrics (2014–2020), to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of AOD in Zhejiang Province and its synergistic correlations with urbanization patterns and transportation infrastructure. By integrating MODIS_1KM AOD product, grid-based road network density mapping, land use dynamic degree modeling, and transfer matrix analysis, this study systematically evaluates the interdependencies among aerosol loading, impervious surface expansion, and transportation network intensification. The results indicate that during the study period (2000–2020), the provincial AOD level shows a significant declining trend, with obvious spatial heterogeneity: the AOD values in eastern coastal industrial zones and urban agglomerations continue to increase, with lower values dominating southwestern forested highlands. Meanwhile, statistical analyses confirm highly positive correlations between AOD, impervious surface coverage, and road network density, emphasizing the dominant role of anthropogenic activities in aerosol accumulation. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing land-use zoning, minimizing vehicular emissions, and developing spatially targeted air quality management strategies in rapidly urbanizing regions. This study provides a solid scientific foundation for advancing environmental sustainability by supporting policy development that balances urban expansion and air quality. It contributes to building more sustainable and resilient cities in Zhejiang Province.

Keywords: aerosol optical depth; road network density; land use; correlation analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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