Estimation of the Distribution of Global Anthropogenic Heat Flux

Abstract The radiance lights data in 2006 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) and authoritative energy data distributed by the United State Energy Information Administration were applied to estimate the global distribution of anthropogenic heat flux. A strong linear relationship was found to exist between the anthropogenic heat flux and the DMSP/OLS radiance data. On a global scale, the average value of anthropogenic heat flux is approximately 0.03 W m–2 and 0.10 W m–2 for global land area. The results indicate that global anthropogenic heat flux was geographically concentrated and distributed, fundamentally correlating to the economical activities. The anthropogenic heat flux concentrated in the economically developed areas including East Asia, Europe, and eastern North America. The anthropogenic heat flux in the concentrated regions, including the northeastern United States, Central Europe, United Kingdom, Japan, India, and East and South China is much larger than global average level, reaching a large enough value that could affect regional climate. In the center of the concentrated area, the anthropogenic heat flux density may exceed 100 W m–2, according to the results of the model. In developing areas, including South America, Central and North China, India, East Europe, and Middle East, the anthropogenic heat flux can reach a level of more than 10 W m–2; however, the anthropogenic heat flux in a vast area, including Africa, Central and North Asia, and South America, is low. With the development of global economy and urban agglomerations, the effect on climate of anthropogenic heat is essential for the research of climate change.