Study of Urban Forests' Effect

Researchers with NASA, EPA, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been working with three U.S. cities this summer to study how strategically placed

“urban forests” and the use of reflective surfaces may help cool cities, save energy, and reduce pollution. The research is examining the bubble-like accumulations of hot air known as “urban heat islands,” whose temperatures are often 5°-10°F (3°-5°C) hotter than those of adjacent rural areas. Scientists from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama are using aircraft equipped with thermal imaging equipment to map and measure “hot spots.” EPA scientists are using this information and satellite imagery to determine how urban heat islands contribute to ground-level generation of ozone. The goal of the research is to identify strategies for cooling a city. “Essentially, we want to help cities develop a tool that allows them to better plan for long-term sustainable urban development,” said lead researcher Dr. Jeff Luvall of the Global Hydrology and Climate Center at Marshall. Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Sacramento, California; and Salt Lake City, Utah are participating in the study. A similar study was done of Atlanta, Georgia last summer.