Earth Science News
WEATHER REPORT
Rising land surface temperature in Maharashtra poses urgent environmental risks
Rising land surface temperature in Maharashtra poses urgent environmental concerns, according to W-CReS Analysis
Rising land surface temperature in Maharashtra poses urgent environmental risks
by Staff Writers
Pune, India (SPX) Jun 09, 2023

Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Maharashtra reached alarming levels in the month of May, posing severe threats to the environment, agriculture, and livelihoods, warns a recent analysis conducted by Geoinformatics researchers at WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies (W-CReS). The study reveals a significant increase in LST levels, particularly in semi-arid regions, such as Marathwada, Vidarbha, Konkan, and parts of Western Maharashtra, and highlights the urgent need for action.

Land Surface Temperature serves as a critical parameter for monitoring global changes in heat flux and surface temperature, offering valuable insights into environmental climate change, ecosystem dynamics, and natural resource management. The rise in LST levels has been linked to extreme weather phenomena, including droughts and heatwaves, which have devastating impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods, and biodiversity. The escalating global trend of LST has raised widespread apprehension due to its detrimental consequences.

Driven primarily by global warming, the escalating land surface temperatures in semi-arid regions of India continue to witness consistent increases day by day. Multiple factors influence LST, including surface air temperature, soil moisture, soil roughness, vegetation type, elevation, and the balance between shortwave and longwave radiation. These elements collectively contribute to the determination of LST and its variations across different regions.

In India, a substantial portion of the cultivated area falls within the semi-arid tropics, comprising approximately 75% of the total cultivated area in the country. These areas are primarily found in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan which are particularly vulnerable to drought, affecting the livelihoods of 265 million people residing in rural areas. Insufficient and unpredictable rainfall, extreme temperatures, and intense solar radiation exacerbate the vulnerability of these regions.

The analysis conducted by the researchers focused on Maharashtra's land surface temperature variation using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) LST satellite data (A NASA satellite), This high-resolution dataset, acquired through sensors on the Terra and Aqua platforms, provided valuable insights into the spatial distribution of LST. The study concentrated on May 2023; a month associated with peak summer temperatures in Maharashtra.

According to Vijay Solanky, a senior GIS researcher at W-CReS, "The findings of our analysis highlight the critical state of land surface temperature in Maharashtra. The escalating surface temperatures pose immediate threats to soil health, water resources, agriculture, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Urgent action is required from all stakeholders to address this pressing issue and implement measures to mitigate the impacts of rising land surface temperatures."

The results revealed a concerning rise in land surface temperature across various regions in Maharashtra. Areas including Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and Western Maharashtra experienced soaring temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, with some regions even surpassing 48 degrees Celsius. The implications of these rising temperatures are far-reaching, posing threats to soil health, water resources, agriculture, and the overall environmental balance.

To address these urgent concerns, WOTR emphasizes the need for immediate action and collaboration among relevant stakeholders. Efficient water resource management, adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, increasing vegetation cover by tree and grass planting, and enhanced heatwave preparedness are key strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising land surface temperatures. Moreover, global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change are vital for long-term mitigation. Maharashtra can lead the way in securing a sustainable future for its communities and natural resources.

Related Links
W-CReS at WOTR
Weather News at TerraDaily.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
WEATHER REPORT
Spain logs 'hottest spring on record'
Madrid (AFP) June 7, 2023
Spain has experienced its hottest spring in over 60 years of recordkeeping, with average temperatures almost two degrees Celsius above average, the national weather agency reported Wednesday. The country also saw its second driest-ever spring on record, behind that of 1995, the AEMET agency said as a prolonged drought hits its key agricultural sector. Spain, which had its hottest year on record in 2022, is expected to be one of the worst-hit EU countries in terms of climate change. AEMET re ... read more

WEATHER REPORT
UN says Myanmar junta halts humanitarian access to cyclone survivors

Dutch to send rescue boats, water pumps to Ukraine

Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive

Ukraine PM calls dam destruction 'environmental catastrophe'

WEATHER REPORT
BIM Implementation and BIM Apps

Neumann Space signs contract with Space Inventor to provide greater access to space

LeoLabs accelerates radar coverage in Europe with commissioning of the Azores Space Radar

China's launches first plate-shaped satellite

WEATHER REPORT
US-German satellites show California water gains after record winter

Ukraine, Russia say thousands evacuated from dam flooding

Flooding over 600 square kilometres after Kakhovka dam breach: Ukraine

Ukraine's Zelensky visits flooded region; 8 deaths reported

WEATHER REPORT
Order in chaos: Atmosphere's Antarctic oscillation has natural cycle

US to open first Arctic diplomatic post in Norway

World's melting ice a hot topic for UN

An improved view of global sea ice

WEATHER REPORT
Using photosynthesis for living on Mars while making space travel sustainable

Seaweed farming may help tackle global food insecurity

Indonesia, Malaysia to fight against EU palm oil 'discrimination'

California's honey bees await the famous sunshine

WEATHER REPORT
Indonesia's Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts, spews huge ash column

Thousands evacuated as Philippine volcano spews ash, rocks

Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano near 'breaking point'

Philippines on alert as volcano spews ash

WEATHER REPORT
Rwanda leaps forward in its journey to build a robust and vibrant space innovation ecosystem

African space tech? Don't rule it out, says Nigeria's startup king

Ethiopia says foils Al-Shabaab attack near border with Somalia

Rwanda's Kagame orders major military purge

WEATHER REPORT
AI chatbots offer comfort to the bereaved

Iraq's Christians fight to save threatened ancient language

Serotonin's impact across molecular and whole-brain levels in a simple animal

Oldest architectural plans detail mysterious desert mega structures

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.