Investigation of Potential Prevailing Wind Impact on Land Surface Temperature at Gas Flaring Sites in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

This research examines the effects of South prevailing wind on Land Surface Temperature (LST) retrieved from Earth Observation (EO) Satellites at 11 gas flaring sites in Rivers State, Niger Delta region, Nigeria. 7 Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and 18 Enhanced Plus (ETM+) 17/01/1986 to 08/03/2013 with < % cloud contamination were considered. All are located within a single scene (Path 188, Row 057). The atmospherically corrected reflectance was used for classification 4 land cover (LC) types each site. emissivity (ε) site is estimated by using standard values determined LC Look Up Table (LUT). surface-leaving radiance (Lλ) computed thermal band 6 (High gain) values. Planck equation inverted calibration constants derive LST. Geospatial analysis LST results ArcGIS show ranges all sites. For both sensors flare stack sources highest compared other locations Wind directions speeds data acquisitions dates applied assessing their it. that Eleme I II, Onne, p-values showed no statistically significant relationships between δLST different (δLSTNE, δLSTNS δLSTNW) existed. Obigbo site, direction (South) acquisition date combined generate noticeable impact towards North-East North-West directions. Alua, Bonny, Chokocho, Rukpokwu, Umurolu Sara sites, p-value obtained 3 relationships; therefore, producing circle footprint. Umudioga only δLSTN versus δLSTW significant, causing effect direction. Based these results, it can be concluded volume rate burning gas, speed time satellite overpass major factors determine influence Delta.