Subsurface urban heat island in the city of Ekaterinburg

Abstract

Research subject. The subsurface thermal field in the city of Ekaterinburg (subsurface urban heat island). Aim. To determine criteria for the anomaly of mean annual subsurface temperatures in Ekaterinburg; to identify patterns of spatial distribution of underground temperatures; to quantify the main factors forming an urban heat island and changes in the heat content of rocks using mathematical modeling. Materials and methods. The main experimental data were obtained during the annual cycle of geothermal studies in observational boreholes of Ekaterinburg (22 boreholes) and surrounding areas (10 boreholes in Degtyarskiy, Verkh-Sysertskiy, Gagarskiy districts). Statistical analysis and mathematical modeling describing the impact of climate, local temperature anomalies of ground surface, and groundwater filtration to the underground thermal field were used when interpreting the obtained data. Results. At a depth of 20 m, the mean annual temperatures being less than 5°C and more than 6°C should be considered as anomalous. The maximum intensity of the urban heat island in Ekaterinburg is confined to densely built-up central areas of the city. The highest temperatures (>10°C) at a depth of 20 m are observed in boreholes located near buildings or directly therein. Here, a rapid decrease in temperature with depth is typical. Moderate anomalies from 6°C to 10°C are observed far from buildings. Remoteness from the central regions apparently plays a more important role in the formation of temperature anomalies than the type of urban surfaces (asphalt, concrete, lawns). Background temperatures (less than 6°C) were recorded in boreholes located outside the Ring Road.  An analysis of patterns in the attenuation of annual temperature variations with depth allowed an area with intense vertical filtration (up to 24 m/year) to be identified near the City Pond. The most significant changes in heat content in the range of 10–50 m are associated with heat leakage from the basements of buildings, equaling to (23–46) × 107 J/m2. However, this heat is only hundredths of a percent of the total energy consumption spent on heating. Conclusions. The subsurface urban heat island of a large Russian city has been characterized for the first time. The results obtained can be used when developing a strategy for megacities in changing climate conditions.