Journal of Geographical Sciences and Education

Analysis of Land Cover Change in Relation to the Urban Heat Island Phenomenon using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology in South Jakarta, Indonesia

Ella Whidayanti — 2025-09-01

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon is one of the most significant environmental impacts resulting from land cover changes in urban areas. This study aims to analyze the relationship between land cover change and the UHI phenomenon in South Jakarta through the use of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The data used comprise Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS from 2015 to 2018 to generate NDVI, NDWI, NDBI, Land Cover, and Land Surface Temperature (LST) indices. Pearson correlation test was also conducted to determine the variables that most influence the UHI phenomenon. The land cover changes, particularly the expansion of built-up areas and the reduction of vegetation—directly contribute to an increase in surface temperature. The correlation analysis reveals that NDBI consistently exerts the strongest influence on UHI (0.55), followed by NDWI (0.21) and NDVI (0.18). This research underscores the critical importance of land-use regulation as a strategic approach to mitigating UHI in urban environments.

Ecological Usefulness of Urban Farming in Nkubu, Meru County, Kenya

Bridget Kawira — 2025-09-01

Agriculture has long been considered a rural activity. However, rapid urbanization and rural–urban migration have reduced agricultural land and increased urban food demand. Consequently, urban farming has grown, attracting significant research interest. This study sought to analyze the ecological usefulness of urban farming in line with the greening of Nkubu town and waste management. A sample of 95 households practising urban farming was selected using Nassiuma's (2000) sample size calculation formula. Questionnaires, interviews, and remote sensing were used to collect data. The study found that urban farming played a key role in reducing urban waste through recycling and increasing the aesthetic value of the town. The study also revealed that despite the urban residents adopting urban farming at high magnitudes in the town, the urban green spaces have been reducing since 2010. It was evident that the green spaces are losing out to build–up areas in Nkubu town. The study recommends that urban farming be recognized in the county development plan and that urban residents adopt the new urban farming technologies.

Socioeconomic Outcome of Ecological Restoration Project: A Case Study of Ex-Oil and Gas Mining Areas

Abdillah Lubis — 2025-09-11

Ecological restoration in former oil and gas extraction sites plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development. This study examines the socio-economic impacts of community-based ecological restoration efforts in Riau Province. This research used a qualitative case study design with purposive sampling. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and document analysis, then analyzed inductively to identify emerging patterns. The findings reveal that the revegetation program of PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan generated tangible benefits by employing 302 local workers and reducing conflicts through Local Business Development. A financial commitment of USD 1.4 million to local enterprises reflects the synergy between corporate environmental responsibility and community economic growth. The study underscores the importance of integrating corporate environmental initiatives with local economic strategies to foster sustainable development and enhance community well-being in post-extraction landscapes.

Pemantauan Perubahan Deformasi Tanah Tahun 2014–2024 Berbasis DInSAR di Kecamatan Cisarua

Annisa Amaanah — 2025-09-12

Cisarua District, situated on the Lembang Fault line, has a high risk due to its proximity to densely populated settlements and its potential for large-magnitude earthquakes. This study aims to analyze the deformation of the Lembang Fault in Cisarua District from 2014 to 2024 using Sentinel-1A and TerraSAR-X imagery data, as well as Digital Terrain Model (DTM) analysis from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, employing the high-resolution Differential Interferometric SAR (DInSAR) method. The deformation levels vary from low to high, with a dominance of moderate deformation levels. High deformation was identified on the north and northeast sides, adjacent to the active tectonic zone. The DTM analysis revealed a steep topographic gradient with an elevation of 975.9–1395 masl. The combination of deformation and steep topography indicates a significant risk of landslides. The results of this study are expected to assist in disaster mitigation in the Cisarua District due to the deformation of the Lembang Fault.

Modeling the Potential of Wind Power Plants in Kupang Regency Based on Weighted Overlay and Remote Sensing

Muhamad Fauzan Fadilah — 2025-09-12

Kupang Regency has significant wind energy potential, offering opportunities for wind farm development to address electricity shortages and support the transition to green energy. This study aims to analyze the wind energy potential in Kupang Regency for wind farm development. The weighted overlay method used integrates various criteria to determine the feasibility of recommended locations. Parameters such as wind speed, elevation, and land use were processed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. The results indicate that the southern and northern regions of Kupang Regency are optimal for wind farm development, considering high wind speeds (6 m/s), suitable land use (shrublands or sandy areas), and favorable elevation (highlands). The integrated analysis identified moderately potential, potential, and very potential zones covering 108,734.20 ha, 53,391.24 ha, and 7,198.73 ha, respectively. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for effective renewable energy planning and help address the energy crisis in the region.

Inferences on the Geological History Through Soil Minerology, Palakkad Gap Region, South India

Jincy Peedamparammal — 2025-09-23

This study assess soil mineralogy and prevailing weathering conditions within the Palakkad Gap, 22 surface soil samples (0–25 cm depth) were collected based on geology, geomorphology, lineament patterns, and land use. Samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD; model 600) to determine mineralogical composition (Moore & Reynolds, 1997). The diffraction patterns indicated the presence of quartz, feldspar, kaolinite–illite, gibbsite, goethite, mica, chlorite, calcite, and vermiculite. Quartz and feldspar were interpreted as lithogenic minerals derived from the parent rock, whereas kaolinite, gibbsite, and goethite represent pedogenic weathering products formed under variable pH regimes. Thin-section petrography revealed altered feldspar margins and fractures infilled with Fe-oxides, indicating early to moderate stages of chemical weathering. Mineralogical assemblages in the Palakkad Gap reflect the combined effects of lithology, climate, and geomorphic processes on soil and landscape evolution (Ollier & Pain, 1996; Birkeland, 1999).