Effect of elevation on land surface temperature (LST) variation in Jos and Environs, Nigeria

Abstract

Elevation is one of the factors causing temperature variation in different parts of the world. The increase in elevation usually resulted in the decrease in temperature, a phenomenon called Environmental Lapse rate (ELR). This research examines the effect of elevation on Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Jos and environs, Nigeria. Satellite data obtained from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS were used. The elevation of the study area was obtained from the SRTM data. The Landsat 8 data were used to derive the LST using single-channel algorithm. The relationship between elevation and LST was analysed using correlation analysis. The results showed that the study area is generally on a high elevation ranged from 550 metres to 1,800 meters above sea level. There was variation in the spatial distribution of the LST as a result of differences in elevation. The LST ranged from 19oC to 35oC was recorded in the highest and lowest elevation respectively. The LST decreased by 16oC for 1,250 meters increase in elevation indicating the effect of Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR). A moderate negative correlation was found between LST and elevation (r =0.46). Elevation was found to be a comfortable place of living as a result of the lower surface and air temperature.