Land Surface Temperature using Landsat 8

Land Surface Temperature (LST) is an important parameter used in various scientific and environmental studies to understand surface energy fluxes, monitor urban heat islands, assess vegetation stress, and study climate change impacts. Landsat 8, a satellite operated by NASA and the USGS, captures multispectral imagery that can be used to derive Land Surface Temperature. 

Here's a brief overview of how LST is estimated using Landsat 8 data:

1. Thermal Infrared Band:

Landsat 8 carries the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), which captures data in two thermal bands: 

• Band 10 (10.60-11.19 µm) and Band 11 (11.50-12.51 µm). These bands are sensitive to emitted thermal radiation from the Earth's surface.

2. Radiance and Brightness Temperature Conversion:

Radiance values recorded by Landsat 8 TIRS are converted to brightness temperatures using calibration coefficients and formulas provided by the sensor's specifications. This step accounts for sensor-specific characteristics and atmospheric effects.

3. Atmospheric Correction:

Corrections are applied to account for atmospheric interference that affects the received thermal radiation. This correction compensates for factors such as water vapor and aerosols in the atmosphere.

4. LST Calculation using Emissivity:

Emissivity represents the efficiency of an object's surface to emit thermal radiation. To calculate LST, emissivity values are required. Landsat 8 often uses spectral indices or emissivity libraries to estimate emissivity values for different surface types (e.g., water, vegetation, soil).

5. LST Derivation using Thermal Bands:

LST is estimated using the brightness temperatures from Landsat 8's thermal bands and emissivity values. The Stefan-Boltzmann equation, which relates temperature and emitted radiation, is employed to derive LST.

6. Image Processing and Analysis:

GIS or remote sensing software is used to process Landsat 8 imagery, perform calculations, and generate LST maps. These maps represent spatial variations in surface temperature across the landscape.

Applications of Landsat 8 LST:

• Urban heat island monitoring
• Agricultural management (monitoring crop health and irrigation)
• Environmental monitoring and assessment
• Climate change studies and modeling
• Land-use planning and land cover change analysis

Landsat 8's ability to capture thermal infrared bands allows for the estimation of Land Surface Temperature, providing valuable insights into surface temperature dynamics and environmental conditions for various applications in scientific research and resource management.

The above values are in degree celsius