Measurement and inversion of urban multi-area ambient temperature under the protection demand of Longmen Grottoes, China

A significant escalation of the urban heat island (UHI) effect, reaching up to 10 °C in Luolong District's core and a 2.3 °C decline in the Luo River's cold island effect, has been identified near the Longmen Grottoes, posing potential risks to cultural heritage. This study employed temperature inversion and urban-rural gradient analysis techniques to assess land surface temperatures from 2001 to 2024. Findings indicate a strong linear correlation between UHI intensity and impervious surface density, as well as green space coverage in the urban area. The research provides critical local environmental data for proactive heritage conservation strategies in metropolitan regions.

Wang, J., Zhu, M., Yan, Z., Ma, C., Li, Z., Yi, H., Li, F., & Ni, P. (2025). Measurement and inversion of urban multi-area ambient temperature under the protection demand of Longmen Grottoes, China. Npj Heritage Science, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-01775-y