Analyzing urbanization and environmental change in Aïn Fakroun, Algeria using landsat imagery through Google Earth Engine

Abstract

This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover, as well as their relationships with surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, and normalized difference building index, in Aïn Fakroun, Algeria, over 30 years from January 1 to December 31 of the years 1993 and 2023. Using advanced remote sensing tools and the Google Earth Engine platform, Landsat-5 imagery for the year 1993 and Landsat-8 for the year 2023 were analyzed to examine significant environmental and urban transformations induced by climate change and rapid urbanization. The main findings reveal a marked increase in urban areas (nearly 2%) and vegetation, accompanied by a reduction in bare land, from 94% to 43%. However, this growth has exacerbated the urban heat island effect, with Land Surface Temperature values increasing across all land cover categories. For example, the maximum land surface temperature increased from 41.54°C in 1993 to 46.66°C in 2023, indicating substantial regional warming. The study found an inverse relationship between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and land surface temperature, with vegetated areas exhibiting lower surface temperatures. A positive correlation between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land surface temperature highlights the thermal effects of urbanization. Urban areas have expanded significantly, particularly in the center and south of the region, while vegetation and forest cover have increased slightly in the north. These changes suggest a landscape transformation shaped by urban growth and reforestation efforts. The results provide policymakers with actionable information, advocating for sustainable practices such as integrating green infrastructure and high-albedo materials to mitigate urban heat island effects and enhance resilience to climate change. This research contributes to the understanding of the interaction between urbanization, vegetation, and surface temperature and offers recommendations for sustainable urban planning in Aïn Fakroun.