KAUST Study Shows Desert Greening Can Reduce Surface Temperatures

A recent study by KAUST researchers highlights the significant cooling effect of vegetation on land surface temperatures in arid regions. By analyzing long-term satellite data, the team compared the land surface temperatures (LST) of planted and bare soil areas across Saudi Arabia and found that vegetation plays a crucial role in mitigating heat stress.

Key Findings:

• Vegetation-covered areas were found to be up to 4°C cooler than surrounding bare soil.
• The study used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess plant presence and vigor.
• The cooling effect was most pronounced on hotter days, emphasizing the role of vegetation in temperature regulation.
• However, after 2017, the cooling effect at Al-Qirw disappeared due to a sudden decline in NDVI, likely caused by unsustainable water management.

KAUST climatologist Matteo Zampieri explains that while vegetation absorbs more solar energy and reduces surface reflectivity (albedo), its ability to cool the land depends on available water and plant physiology.

Professor Ibrahim Hoteit, leader of the research team, stresses that sustainable water management is crucial. Without it, the benefits of desert greening can be lost, potentially accelerating local warming trends.

This study reinforces the role of climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient greening strategies in adapting to climate change.

🔗 Read more on KAUST Discovery

Reference

1. Zampieri, M., Alkama, R., Luong, T., Ashok, K. & Hoteit, I. Managing vegetation for stronger cooling efficiency during hot days in the Arabian Peninsula. Ecological Indicators 154, 110789 (2023).| article.