Marigot Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Marigot, the capital of Haiti’s Sud-Est department, occupies a strategically important coastal position on the Caribbean Sea, nestled within a landscape sculpted by both volcanic activity and coastal erosion. The city’s geography is characterized by a gently sloping terrain rising from the shoreline, transitioning into a backdrop of verdant hills and, further inland, the Massif de la Selle, a significant mountain range. This proximity to the sea moderates temperatures but also introduces maritime influences on air quality, including salt spray and potential for sea fog. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, a patchwork of small-scale agriculture – primarily bananas, mangoes, and coffee – interspersed with pockets of dense tropical forest. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, can contribute to localized air pollution through the use of fertilizers and the burning of agricultural waste, particularly during harvest seasons. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; Marigot itself is a compact urban center, with residential areas gradually giving way to agricultural land and then to the more rugged terrain of the hills. There are no major industrial belts immediately adjacent to Marigot, though some small-scale processing facilities related to agriculture exist within the department. The prevailing winds generally blow from the east, carrying air masses across the Caribbean, which can introduce pollutants from other islands or regions. Elevation plays a role; Marigot sits at a relatively low elevation (around 10 meters), meaning it is susceptible to trapping pollutants close to the ground, especially under stable atmospheric conditions. The bay itself influences local wind patterns, sometimes creating stagnant air conditions.

Marigot’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, significantly influencing air quality dynamics. The wet season, typically from May to October, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity. While rain naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The dry season, from November to April, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures. This often leads to a build-up of pollutants, particularly during periods of stagnant air. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, are more common during the dry season, trapping pollutants and preventing their dispersion. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and waste disposal, is most prevalent during the transition periods between seasons, contributing significantly to particulate matter pollution. The intensity of the Caribbean trade winds varies seasonally; weaker winds during the dry season contribute to the trapping of pollutants. Fog, originating from the sea, can also form during cooler nights, further reducing visibility and concentrating pollutants. Outdoor activities are generally more pleasant during the wet season, although caution should be exercised due to potential flooding. During the dry season, particularly in February and March, sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exposure, especially during the morning hours when pollutants tend to accumulate. The increased heat during the dry season can also worsen air quality-related health problems.