Geography Faculty Talks: Raja Sengupta & Mallik Mahmud
Urban Heat Island Variability in Montreal: understanding current and future trends using advanced Geospatial analysis
Professor Raja Sengupta
With rising global temperatures, urban populations, especially in densely populated areas, face higher risk of heat-related illnesses. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where cities are warmer than surrounding rural areas, exacerbates this risk. This is very relevant for Montreal, where heat-related casualties are often reported. To understand the intra-city variability, we uniquely combine Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) with advanced Geospatial data and analysis to develop novel ways of understanding spatio-temporal factors influencing UHI. Furthermore, future impact on human health is a key concern of UHI. Here, we propose the development of Agent-Based Models to both study (a) future urban development, including densification following the implementation of specific zoning rules, and (b) how specific individuals may be affected by a combination of factors, e.g., their residential location as well as personal mobility.
Recent changes in sea ice melt onset in the Canadian Arctic
Professor Mallik Mahmud
The timing of sea ice melt onset (MO) in the Arctic is crucial because it influences the surface energy balance and determines the amount of sea ice that survives the melt season. In this talk, I will present recent changes in the timing of MO in the Queen Elizabeth Islands (QEI), located within the Last Ice Area of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. To provide context, I will compare the 2015-2024 MO record with the earlier SAR record (1997-2014) and the long-term passive microwave (PMW) record (1979-2022). This comparison will highlight the varying results obtained from different remote sensing sensors and scientific methodologies, emphasizing the significance of these advancements in remote sensing technology.