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INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF LAND COVER ON THE TEMPERATURE OF NYALI - MOMBASA
Organization(s):Shree Swaminnarayan Academy
Country:Kenya
Student(s):1. Chloe Solheim 2. Ashley Onyango 3. Maria Haji 4. Adriel Asher 5. Rahini Halai
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Educator(s):Beatrice Shiro Oyange, Richard Muema
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Surface Temperature
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
Land use change is one of the key factors affecting local and regional climate patterns. This
study investigates how different land covers (grassy and concrete) impact surface and air
temperatures in Nyali area, Mombasa. The research aims to determine temperature variations,
assess the role of land cover in temperature regulation, and evaluate contributions to the urban
heat island (UHI) effect.
Data was collected using Digital Hygro-Thermometers and Extech Mini IR Thermometers at
three different time intervals across selected locations representing the two land cover types. The
study found that concrete surfaces exhibited higher temperatures than grassy areas, significantly
contributing to urban heat retention. The findings suggest that impervious surfaces increase
temperature rise, affecting human comfort and urban climate. The research concludes that urban planning should include more green spaces to mitigate UHI effects and recommends policies promoting sustainable land cover management.
Keywords: Land use change, temperature variation, urban heat island, climate impact