The heat wave of June 2007 in Athens, Greece—Part 1: Study of satellite derived land surface temperature

A combination of satellite imagery and meteorological data were used to explore the spatial and temporal evolution of a heat wave that resulted in record high temperatures in Athens Greece. This work analyses Land Surface Temperature (LST) generated by the Satellite Application Facility Surface Analysis (Land SAF) product and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data onboard TERRA and AQUA satellites. The temporal evolution of the heat wave was considered using MODIS LST data, while the surface temperature anomaly was also estimated. MODIS and Land SAF data were verified against the surface air temperature over the Athens area obtained from a network of available surface observation stations, showing significant correlation. Intercomparison of MODIS and Land SAF LST products was considered at common satellite overpasses; a significant correlation was derived. On average the observed daytime differences vary between 2.5 to 5.8 degrees. Finally, Land SAF data were also tested against soil temperature data from a surface observation station located in the centre of Athens. The results extracted depict the role of using a variety of remote sensed and meteorological data for studying such events.