Feedback and contribution of vegetation, air temperature and precipitation to land surface temperature in the Yangtze River Basin considering statistical analysis

Land surface temperature (LST), especially day-night LST difference (LSTd - LSTn), is a key variable for the stability of terrestrial ecosystems, affected by vegetation and climate change. Quantifying the contribution and feedback of vegetation and climate to LST changes is critical to developing mitigation strategies. Based on LST, Normalized vegetation index (NDVI), land use (LU), air temperature (AT) and precipitation (Pre) from 2003 to 2021, partial correlation was used to analyze the response of LST to vegetation and climate. The feedback and contribution of both to LST were further quantified by using spatial linear relationships and partial derivatives analysis. The results showed that both interannual LST (LSTy) and LSTd - LSTn responded negatively to vegetation, and vegetation had a negative feedback effect in areas with significantly altered. Vegetation was also a major contributor to the decline of LSTd - LSTn. With the advantage of positive partial correlation area of 94.99%, AT became the main driving factor and contributor to LSTy change trend. Pre contributed negatively to both LSTy and LSTd - LSTn, with contributions of -0.004 degrees C/y and -0.022 degrees C/ y, respectively. AT played a decisive role in LST warming of YRB, which was partially mitigated by vegetation and Pre. The present research contributed to the detection of LST changes and improved understanding of the driving mechanism.

Automated summary

Land surface temperature (LST) and its day-night difference (LSTd - LSTn) are influenced by vegetation and climate change. Quantifying their contribution and feedback is crucial for mitigation strategies. This study used partial correlation and spatial analysis to investigate the response of LST to vegetation and climate variables. Results showed negative responses and feedback from vegetation on LST, with vegetation being a major contributor to LSTd - LSTn decline. Air temperature (AT) played a decisive role in LST warming trend, partially mitigated by vegetation and precipitation (Pre).