The impact of urban land surface changes on urban climate: Trabzon example

This study examines the impact of land surface changes of the city center and surroundings of Ortahisar and Akçaabat districts of Trabzon province on urban heat island (UHI). The research is conducted based on variables such as monthly average temperature, monthly average minimum temperature, the number of days with daily maximum temperatures above 30 °C, and monthly average wind speed. In the study, land use changes in Akçaabat and Ortahisar districts between 2000 and 2018 were examined. It has been determined that Trabzon city center and Akçaabat district almost merged, and the urban texture became continuous. The locations and surroundings of selected stations have been influenced by land cover change activities between 2000 and 2018. The effect has primarily manifested itself as an increase in artificial surfaces and a decrease in natural areas. According to the research results, Trabzon Bölge, Trabzon Limanı Ana Mendirek, and Trabzon Havaalanı meteorology stations, located in study areas, have emerged as regions where the UHI effect is prominent, compared to Akçaabat Station, which is defined as rural. Particularly in August, temperature differences of up to 0.64°C were observed between urban and rural areas. This situation demonstrates the impact of urban land use on the formation of the UHI. The urban land use changes in Trabzon have had significant effects on the urban climate, with the city center suffering from the UHI effect.