Land Surface temperature monitoring in Tabriz using Split window algorithm and investigating its relationship with land use changes

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important factor in the study of global warming and climate change. Natural and man-made activities, especially land use and land cover changes, have a significant effect on land surface temperature. The purpose of this study is to estimate the surface temperature using Split window algorithm in Tabriz and determine its relationship with land use changes. For this purpose, OLI and TIRS images of Landsat 8 in 2013 and 2019 were used and after performing various pre-processing stages, vegetation index (NDVI), water extraction index (MNDWI), urban development index (NDBI) and land surface temperature were estimated using multispectral and thermal bands. Land use maps were prepared using object-oriented classification method in eCognition software and then accuracy assessment coefficients were extracted. The results of this study showed that the most land use changes are observed in rangeland use, which in the 7-year period, most of it has changed to road and urban land use. The results also show a negative correlation between NDVI and surface temperature and the highest temperature occurs in areas with poor vegetation. Therefore, considering the role of vegetation in modulating temperature conditions, the need for vegetation protection seems necessary.