Research on the relationship between urban form and urban smog in China

Abstract

The present study aims at exploring whether aspects of urban form (compactness ratio and elongation ratio) are associated with urban smog (particulate matter) in China. Quantitative indicators relating to urban form and urban smog were selected and quantified for 30 Chinese cities, for the reference years 2000, 2007, and 2010, by using a combination of compiled statistical data, remote sensing, and geographical information system data. Panel data analysis was used to evaluate the degree of association between measures of urban form and urban smog, while controlling for urban population, built-up area green coverage rate, power consumption, SO2 emissions, gross value of industrial output, gross industrial output, and buses per capita. The results indicate that urban compactness and urban elongation were positively correlated to urban particulate matter. It is therefore recommended to consider the implication of urban form on smog as part of urban planning and as part of ongoing strategies to mitigate the deleterious consequences of air pollution.