Abstract: The spatio-temporal distribution monitoring and evaluation of carbon emissions is one of the key research topics for sustainable urban development. For the analysis of the differences in the spatio-temporal distribution of carbon emissions in the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration, this paper applies the NPP-VIIRS nighttime light images and impervious surface data, combined with county-level carbon emissions data to construct the carbon emission estimation model for the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration, and analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and changing trends of carbon emissions in this urban agglomeration. The results show that: ① The average and total value of nighttime lights and impervious surfaces data can better reflect the regional carbon emission level of the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration.②From 2013 to 2017, the carbon emissions of the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration were concentrated, mainly distributed in the middle area of the northern part. The carbon emissions areas expand year by year but the intensity weakened. ③ From 2013 to 2017, the changing trend of carbon emissions in the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration was that the central area mainly has negative carbon emissions growth, while the peripheral areas have undertaken some carbon emissions. This study monitors the county-level carbon emissions of the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration from 2013 to 2017 based on multi-source remote sensing data, and reveals the changes in the spatio-temporal distribution of carbon emissions, which can provide a scientific reference for carbon emission reduction and regional sustainable development.

Key words: carbon emissions, NPP-VIIRS nighttime light images, impervious surface data, spatio-temporal distribution features, Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration