Student Research Reports
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND COVER AND AIR TEMPERATURE - A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF GHANA MAIN CAMPUS.
Organization(s):University Basic School, Legon
Country:Ghana
Student(s):Kendra Asare, Victoria Antock, Nyhira Addison Offei, Samanha Abubakari, Jeremiah Okyere Amponsah, Davina Lamptey
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Educator(s):Enoch Lamptey
Contributors:Eva Sakyi, Eric Sifa, Richmond Obeng
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Surface Temperature
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:02/07/2025
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Recent observation shows an increase in the number of cars moving in and out of the campus of the University, Legon. This is coupled with the long vehicular traffic on the main highways that surround it. The Adenta – Madina – Accra highway, the Atomic – Haatso highway, and the GIMPA – Agbobga highway. These highways are close to the main campus of the University of Ghana, Legon.
From the university’s security department, it is estimated that about 2,500 or more cars move in and out of the university's campus every day. This gives us about 17,500 cars or vehicles per week. This figure multiplied by a month and a year gives a staggering figure. This figure is anticipated to increase soon.
Tree planting activities have picked up lately on the University campus under the operation “Green Project”. The recent ones have been the tree planting exercise embarked upon by the University Basic School pupils in October,2022 and the Green Ghana project under the auspices of His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo which saw him and other notable dignitaries’ part of the exercise on Friday, 9th June,2023.
Research indicates that areas with dense vehicle traffic experiences higher average air temperatures. This temperature increase is more pronounced during sunny weather and rush hours, where traffic congestion can elevate urban heat island (UHI) effects.
The rise in temperature is directly proportional to internal exhaust emissions, including gases like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur oxides (SO₂), and particulate matter (PM₁₀). These emissions increase environmental entropy, leading to warmer and less fresh air
This paper explores the relationship between tree cover and Air Temperature at the University of Ghana, Legon Campus comparative with the Faith Baptist Community School with less tree cover, providing insights into how urban planning can incorporate green infrastructure to combat climate challenges