Multi-Scale Remote Sensing Evaluation of Land Surface Thermal Contributions Based on Quality–Quantity Dimensions and Land Use–Geomorphology Coupling

Zhe Li, Jun Yang (), He Liu () and Xiao Xie ()
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Zhe Li: Human Settlements Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China
Jun Yang: Human Settlements Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China
He Liu: School of Science, Liaodong University, Dandong 118001, China
Xiao Xie: Key Laboratory for Environment Computation and Sustainability of Liaoning Province, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: With the intensification of global warming, surface thermal environment issues have become increasingly prominent, particularly in the ecologically fragile Yellow River Basin (YRB). However, most studies neglect the synergistic effects of underlying surface composition and geomorphological context, limiting the understanding of regional thermal contribution patterns. Based on MODIS-derived land surface temperature and Landsat 8-based land use and Fathom DEM-derived geomorphological datasets, this study constructs an integrated assessment framework combining a dual “quality–quantity” perspective with land use–geomorphology coupling, systematically analyzing the comprehensive thermal contributions of different underlying surfaces. Results show that (1) the YRB features diverse underlying surfaces, transitioning from natural (forest, grassland) to human-dominated (cropland, construction land) land uses, and from high-altitude, large undulating mountains to low-altitude, small undulating plains along the source-to-downstream gradient. (2) The average LST is 17.97 °C, displaying a south–north and east–west gradient. Human disturbance intensity drives thermal responses at the land use level, with natural surfaces contributing to cooling regulation, while artificial and desert surfaces generate heat accumulation. Geomorphology jointly shapes the thermal distribution, with high mountains acting as cold sources and plains/hills as heat sources. (3) Dual “quality–quantity” dimensional evaluation reveals that temperature-based assessments alone overestimate localized extremes (e.g., towns, extremely high mountains) and underestimate broad, moderate surfaces (e.g., drylands, large and medium undulating high mountains). This “area-neglect effect” may lead to biased regional thermal assessments and unbalanced resource allocation. (4) Coupled land use–geomorphology analysis uncovers the multi-scale composite mechanisms of thermal formation and mitigates single-factor assessment biases. Geomorphology defines macro-scale energy exchange, while land use regulates local heat responses. The results provide scientific support for large-scale thermal assessment and refined management.

Keywords: multi-source remote sensing; land surface temperature; contribution index; land-use type; geomorphology; MODIS; Yellow River Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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