Urban Heat Island Effects in Kathmandu Valley: A Case of Patan
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Pulchowk Campus
Abstract
Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a phenomenon where urban areas are warmer than
surrounding rural counterparts. Every settlement, big or small, suffer from UHI.
Researches show that when the natural environment is replaced with low albedo
artificial surfaces, they radically alter the aero dynamics, radiative, thermal and
moisture properties causing urban regions to be warmer than the surrounding natural
areas. As the earth faces global warming, these cities which are already warm due to
UHI become more vulnerable to extreme heat. Extreme heat has numerous bad effects
on human health, comfort and productivity. It is also responsible for change in micro
climate and precipitation. Due the unwanted effects of UHI many of the large cities
are working to reduce UHI effect.
Kathmandu valley is one of the fastest growing cities in South Asia. The urban area
and settlement in the valley floor has expanded from 3% to 23% in four decades
(1967-2010). With the valley facing severe air pollution and densification combined
with replacement of natural ground surface by urban surfaces, the valley is susceptible
to greater effects of UHI. Although studies regarding UHI Effects have been done for
the valley, these researches are limited to Landsat Imagery. Since Kathmandu is a
valley, there is natural temperature difference induced by different altitude. Therefore,
a study has been conducted at micro-level in a city of Patan.
To understand UHI effect at micro-level, the temperature has been recorded in four
different places representing urban areas with unique combination of green and built
areas. The results have been analyzed and depending on the results, the research has
focused the questionnaire to understand the effects of increased heat on the people of
Patan.
By comparing the existing policies with measures taken by different cities, it is found
that a better thorough study of the cities in the valley is crucial to understand and
exploit natural resources efficiently to control warming of the cities in the valley.
Description
Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a phenomenon where urban areas are warmer than
surrounding rural counterparts.
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Citation
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN URBAN PLANNING