D) Land surface temperature

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:39:49 +0000

# Understanding Land Surface Temperature: Its Importance, Measurement, and Impact on Climate Land surface temperature (LST) is a critical parameter in environmental science, meteorology, agriculture, and climate research. Defined as the thermal temperature of the Earth’s surface—measured at or near ground level—LST influences weather patterns, ecosystem dynamics, urban development, and global climate models. As climate change accelerates, understanding land surface temperature has become more essential than ever. ## What Is Land Surface Temperature? Land surface temperature represents the amount of energy radiated or emitted by the Earth’s surface in the thermal infrared range. Unlike air temperature, which measures warmth at a specific height in the atmosphere, LST reflects how surfaces such as soil, vegetation, water bodies, and built environments absorb and release heat. It is a key component of the surface energy balance, closely linked with solar radiation, evapotranspiration, and heat fluxes.