Latifa Saeed Al Blooshi, Abdelgadir Abuelgasim and Taoufik Ksiksi
Keywords: UAE, air temperature, climate change, LULC, remote sensing
Abstract: Globally, population growth and changes in land-use practices affected the dryland ecosystems. Land use can stimulate changes in communities under climate change. The aim of this study was to detected the impact of climate change on land use in UAE (Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and Sharjah) by assessing the change in air temperatures through the different land use classes. The research question was; what is the relationship between the increase in the air temperatures and the change in the land use/ land cover classifications through the past 20 years. Eight classes were recognized in the study area; Costal Sabkhas, Inland Sabkhas, Mixed Class (Urban and Vegetation), Urban, Rock Outcrops, Rocky Surfaces, Type 1 soil (Sand Dunes) and Type 2 Soil (Bare Land). In the year 2001, Coastal Sabkhas, Mixed Class and Urban experienced increase in temperature by (0.67, 1.14 and 1.16), respectively. In 2008 there was a drop in the temperatures from 35.43°C to 33.65°C in Mixed Class (1.78°C) and from 35.62°C to 33.54°C in Urban Class (2.08°C). Future detailed study in the area to monitor the change in land use due to climate change and vice versa is a good opportunity for the researchers who are interesting in the region.
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