Landscape functioning assessment based on radiation temperature distribution

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to introduce approach of landscape functioning assessment based on the relationship of three land cover types (forest, bare ground, non-forest vegetation) and radiation temperature that is regarded as an indicator and way how the solar energy is dissipated within landscape. Land cover assessment of trans-boundary model area (Northern Bohemia and Saxony) was based on multispectral classification of Landsat TM data. Radiation temperature, qualified in relative scale was derived from the same sensor from thermal band TM6. The interpretation of processed satellite images results from theoretical background of Energy-transport-reaction model, the results demonstrate that temperature is distributed across landscape depending on the type and structure of land cover. Unless damaged, forest ecosystems are able to maintain tower temperatures and produce condensation places. By contrast, non-forest vegetation tends to fall into the category of low dissipation ability and higher temperature. More positive trends are visible in some types of permanent grass vegetation, especially wet meadows. Bare surfaces, by contrast, contribute to high temperatures, release heat and contribute to landscape warming