Morfologia urbana e ilhas de calor na cidade de Natal/RN: uma análise a partir de sensoriamento remoto e zonas climáticas locais

Abstract

This study aims to map and analyze Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) in Natal/RN, investigating their causes and changes using satellite imagery, with a focus on the relationship between UHIs and the development of urban morphology. Landsat 8 satellite images were used to generate Surface Temperature (ST) maps and calculate the NDVI and NDBI indices, representing vegetated and built-up areas, respectively. The analysis included the Local Climate Zones (LCZ) classification system, allowing for a detailed description of urban morphology and its impacts on climate. The ST maps identified the main UHI hotspots, while the NDVI and NDBI indices highlighted areas with cooling elements and heat retention, respectively. After cross-referencing the results, two main causes for UHI formation related to urban configuration were identified: extensively built or paved areas and densely urbanized zones with limited ventilation, which promote increased local temperatures. The conclusions emphasize the need to preserve and expand green areas in the most critical zones, as well as the importance of strategic and sustainable urban planning to mitigate UHI effects and promote better thermal comfort quality in the city.