Land Surface Temperature (LST): Causes, Impacts, and Consequences on Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a critical indicator of Earth's energy balance and climate dynamics. It refers to the temperature of the Earth's surface, which varies based on land use, vegetation cover, soil moisture, and anthropogenic activities. The significance of LST lies in its close link to urbanization, deforestation, industrialization, and climate change. Increasing LST has profound impacts on both natural ecosystems and human societies. ESA CCI Land Surface Temperature (1995-2020), version 2.0 Land Surface Temperature (LST) 1. Causes of LST Increase The rise in LST is primarily driven by human activities such as: Urbanization : The expansion of urban areas with impervious surfaces (such as asphalt and concrete) traps heat, contributing to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which significantly raises local LST. Deforestation : Clearing forests for agriculture, logging, or infrastructure removes natural vegetation that regulates temperatures through evapotranspira...