Urban heat runoff from cities warming lakes, impacting water ecosystems.
The researchers used drones with thermal cameras to study how urban areas affect water temperature in Kunming, China. They found that different types of surfaces, like bricks and asphalt, can impact water temperature differently. After rain, the lake water temperature first drops and then rises. The researchers also discovered that runoff water quickly warms up after rainfall, affecting the lake temperature. Overall, the study shows that urban surfaces can influence water temperature in lakes, especially after rain.