María Lila Asar

Dr. María Lila Asar


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 November 2025 in The Journal of Climate Change and Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
FSFlorencia Sangermano
Florencia Sangermano
MAMaría Lila Asar
María Lila Asar
AVAndrés Mario Visintin
Andrés Mario Visintin
EBElisabet Benítez
Elisabet Benítez
FLFrancisco Ludueña-Almeida
Francisco Ludueña-Almeida
EEElizabet Lilia Estallo
Elizabet Lilia Estallo
Climate change is expected to exacerbate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in the coming decades by altering the structure and function of urban ecosystems and impacting human health. This research assesses the dynamics of the UHI effect in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, by analyzing temperature trends over the past 19 years. Urban areas were classified into five classes using satellite imagery. Monthly average daytime and nighttime MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) were used to assess thermal differences across urban classes and temporal trends. Daytime urban cooling occurred during the winter and heating during the summer, while at nighttime, the city experienced heating year-round. Over 19 years, urban areas presented the highest significant increase in temperature during nighttime, with some areas also experiencing increases during both day and night. Shrublands and crops also showed an increase in LST, particularly during nighttime. Increasing trends in LST during the night overlap with 89.2 % of the population, 90.5 % of households, and 87 % of households with unsatisfied basic needs. The population of the city of Córdoba is highly exposed to the UHI, and the exposure is intensifying, potentially leading to heat-related diseases, spreading disease vectors such as mosquitoes, increasing energy and water consumption, and decreasing the overall quality of life for city dwellers.