A study on temporal Land surface temperature (LST) and its relationship with Remote sensing ecological spectral indices of Agra and Aizawl Cities in India

Rapid urbanisation reshapes the natural and cultural landscape, increasing the local climate, particularly Land Surface Temperature (LST). Understanding the LST characteristics, their influence on Urban Heat Island (UHI), and their relationship with the ecological indices is crucial for sustainable urban and environmental planning. This study investigated a principle of growing concern over rapid urbanisation and its impact urban climate and LST through remote sensing ecological spectral indices in the urban landscapes of Agra and Aizawl, India, from 2014 to 2023. The study utilizes the data from the United State Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat series (Landsat 5 and 8), employing the thermal infrared (TIR) bands to calculate LST.The study incorporates remote sensing spectral indices to examine their correlation with LST, providing an adequate understanding of UHI and its relationship with the environment. Linear and polynomial regression models were also employed to analyze temperature trends and fluctuations. The results showed a negative correlation between LST and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), while a positive correlation between LST and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). And it also observed a slight increase in LST for both cities, with significant year-to-year variations. The decrease in LST was observed in 2020, which can be attributed to reduced human activities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. These study results enhance the comprehension of urban thermal behaviour and the consequences of urbanization on the environment. The utilization of geospatial technologies proves indispensable in assessing LST and its implications, paving the way for future research to enhance urban resilience and sustainability.