The study used MODIS thermal infrared data to investigate the urban heat island effect in Urumqi. They found that the city experiences significant temperature differences between urban areas and suburbs, with the highest intensity of the heat island effect occurring at night in summer. The researchers also discovered that the type and function of underlying surfaces, such as busy traffic areas, play a role in the distribution of high temperatures. Additionally, they observed that the urban heat island effect is more pronounced during the daytime in summer and at night throughout the year.