Urbanization-Induced Changes in Low-Level Temperature and Wind near Gimpo International Airport

Rapid urbanization is a critical factor altering the atmospheric boundary layer environment of metropolitan areas, particularly in the lower atmosphere, where low-altitude aviation and emerging urban air mobility (UAM) operations are expected to occur. Airports located near urban areas are directly influenced by continuous urban expansion, necessitating an assessment of how urbanization-induced changes in temperature and wind affect aircraft operating environments.

This study examines the long-term effects of urbanization on near-surface temperature and wind characteristics in the vicinity of Gimpo International Airport, which is located adjacent to Seoul, South Korea. Using approximately 30 years of observational records and reanalysis datasets, this study aims to examine how urbanization-related changes in the local meteorological environment are associated with conditions relevant to aircraft operations around the airport.

The results indicate that all sites exhibit strong seasonal variability, and there is a persistent long-term increase in annual mean temperatures. This warming trend is most pronounced at the Gimpo site, where urbanization has progressed most rapidly. Regarding wind characteristics, a gradual weakening of near-surface wind speeds was identified in highly urbanized areas. This trend is attributed to increased surface roughness associated with higher building density.

Overall, the combined long-term observational and reanalysis data confirms the co-occurrence of increasing temperature and weakening near-surface wind tendencies in areas surrounding the airport. Furthermore, persistent near-surface warming may influence surface heating and mixing processes in urban-adjacent regions, potentially contributing to long-term changes in the low-level wind environment. From this perspective, the findings of this study provide a fundamental basis for understanding long-term changes in near-airport low-level environments influenced by urbanization.