Comparing Near Surface Temperatures, Soil Moisture, and Solar Radiation to Determine Effectiveness of Green Spaces in Urban Areas

As urbanization continues to rise globally, so too does the expansion of asphalt area coverage. Urban infrastructures are often affiliated with buildings built close together, high population density, and large areas of asphalt. These characteristics often lead to varied temperatures which can alter local climates when compared with nearby rural environments. This is known as the urban heat island effect (UHI). Individuals living in cities can often feel the
UHI effect as temperatures within the city are much greater than in surrounding rural areas. The urban heat island effect is often driven by radiation flux and surface materials. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of asphalt and grass surfaces on radiation flux, near-surface temperature, and soil moisture to determine the importance of green space in urban settings. By analyzing these factors, the advantages of urban vegetation are measured. Specifically, this data is measured over a three-week period in Dublin, Ohio which is just outside of Columbus. The issues addressed in this study are; the contributions of different surface types on the UHI effect and their potency to urban climate control. This research provides insight into the influence of green spaces on urban temperature and soil moisture, thus offering valuable information for urban planning and climate adaptation strategies for the future development of cities.