The mitigating effect of street trees, urban flora, and the suburban environment on seasonal peak UV indices: A case study from Brisbane, Australia
Article
| Article Title | The mitigating effect of street trees, urban flora, and the suburban environment on seasonal peak UV indices: A case study from Brisbane, Australia |
|---|---|
| ERA Journal ID | 15283 |
| Article Category | Article |
| Authors | Downs, Nathan James, Amar, Abdurazaq, Dearnaley, John, Butler, Harry, Dekeyser, Stijn, Igoe, Damien, Parisi, Alfio V., Raj, Nawin, Deo, Ravinesh and Turner, Joanna |
| Journal Title | Photochemistry and Photobiology |
| Journal Citation | 101 (1), pp. 251-266 |
| Number of Pages | 16 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publisher | John Wiley & Sons |
| Place of Publication | United States |
| ISSN | 0031-8655 |
| 1751-1097 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1111/php.13988 |
| Web Address (URL) | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/php.13988 |
| Abstract | Tree shade, particularly shade that obscures direct sunlight near peak periods of midday solar exposure can have a pronounced effect on potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation, and in turn, strongly influence the maximum daily UV index (UVI). In this study, the seasonal influence of tree shade on the UVI is evaluated from 210 hemispherical sky view images collected alongside public walkways and footpaths from 10 residential Brisbane suburbs. The effective sidewalk UV index is calculated underneath planted tree canopies, adjacent residential gardens, buildings and background tree species. Results are presented with respect to seasonal variations in the diurnal solar elevation for each month of the year at Brisbane's latitude. The research also examines the total reduction in UVI due to the presence of individual tree species, showing reductions in the midday UVI of up to 91% of an equivalent unimpeded sky hemisphere when overhead tree canopies are present. Important footpath tree species for peak midday UVI mitigation include Pongamia pinnata, Xanthostemon chrysanthus, Senna siamea, and Libidibia ferrea. The planting and maintenance of existing tree species already growing alongside residential Brisbane streets will improve the shade characteristics of suburbs and enhance UV protection for local residents. |
| Keywords | Brisbane; UVI; tree; shade; erythema |
| Article Publishing Charge (APC) Funding | School/Centre |
| Contains Sensitive Content | Contains sensitive content |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 370199. Atmospheric sciences not elsewhere classified |
| 420699. Public health not elsewhere classified | |
| 370106. Atmospheric radiation | |
| Byline Affiliations | School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing |
| UniSQ College | |
| School of Agriculture and Environmental Science |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z7wzy/the-mitigating-effect-of-street-trees-urban-flora-and-the-suburban-environment-on-seasonal-peak-uv-indices-a-case-study-from-brisbane-australia
Download files
Published Version
400
total views49
total downloads16
views this month0
downloads this month