Morphological and thermal validation of LCZs: Applicability of the LCZ scheme in heterogeneous arid urban environments

This study provides a morphological and thermal validation of the Local Climate Zones (LCZ) within the Metropolitan Area of Mendoza, focusing on their internal consistency and inter-zone differentiation in an arid urban environment. Few prior studies have examined the applicability of the LCZ classification scheme in cities characterized by open morphologies and extensive linear vegetation, such as Mendoza. The morphological validation was achieved through geographic information systems, hemispherical imaging, and field surveys, while the thermal validation involved in situ air temperature measurements conducted during the summer of 2021. The findings indicate morphological consistency among LCZ zones 2, 3, and 6, which show high impermeability (> 80%), whereas LCZ 8 and 9 have more than 75% permeable and vegetated surfaces. The thermal analysis demonstrates intra-zone homogeneity and notable differences between high/medium-density zones (2, 3, 5, and 6) and low-density zones (8 and 9), confirmed through variance analysis and Tukey’s post-hoc tests. Although thermal data suggest grouping LCZ into two categories, morphological distinctions support maintaining six separate classes. The study highlights that international LCZ reference values are not directly transferable to heterogeneous urban contexts, underscoring the importance of local validation. The methodology employed is replicable and offers valuable insights for sustainable urban planning tailored to specific morphological and thermal characteristics, enhancing urban resilience in similar arid environments