Investigating the Impact of Temperature Changes on Coastal Heritage Sites Using Remote Sensing

Coastal heritage assets are crucial to a society’s history and must be preserved sustainably, despite their vulnerability to both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Their monitoring is challenging due to the interrelated nature of these attributes. While expert observations and on-site measurements are employed, they cover limited areas over time, whereas remote sensing can assess larger regions more regularly. This study examines the impacts of climate change on Old Town North, a conservation area within Southampton Harbour, UK, designated as “heritage at risk” by Historic England in 2024. Particular focus is given to temperature and moisture variations, which may accelerate material decay and heighten risks. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the study uses satellite data to extract land surface temperatures, monitor coastal changes, and identify vulnerable risk zones. Results show that the conservation area faces multiple pressures, including moisture deficiency, urban sprawl, and increased surface temperatures, that together could hasten the deterioration of heritage assets.