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Rawson, Chubut, Argentina, occupies a strategic coastal position on the Golfo Nuevo, a significant embayment of the Atlantic Ocean within Patagonia. Situated at approximately -43.3000° latitude and -65.1000° longitude, the city’s geography is defined by a relatively low elevation, averaging around 15 meters above sea level, contributing to a maritime climate. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a transition zone between the Patagonian steppe and the coastal plains, featuring rolling hills and expansive grasslands. To the west, the Andes Mountains rise dramatically, influencing regional wind patterns and occasionally trapping pollutants. Rawson’s proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures, but also introduces marine aerosols and salt spray, impacting local air composition. The urban fabric is relatively compact, reflecting its historical development as a port town and regional administrative center. While Rawson itself has limited heavy industry, it serves as a gateway to agricultural zones further inland, where sheep farming and, increasingly, oilseed cultivation are prevalent. This creates an urban–rural gradient, with potential for agricultural emissions to influence air quality, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. The city’s location within the larger Chubut province, a region experiencing increasing oil and gas exploration, also introduces the possibility of fugitive emissions and associated air quality concerns. The prevailing westerly winds, funneled through the Andean foothills, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants, a factor heavily influencing local air quality dynamics.

Rawson’s air quality exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by its Patagonian climate. The austral summer (December-February) generally sees improved air quality due to stronger, more consistent westerly winds that effectively ventilate the region, dispersing any accumulated pollutants. However, periods of calm can still occur, leading to localized stagnation. Autumn (March-May) often brings increased fog, particularly along the coastline, which can trap pollutants near ground level, potentially impacting respiratory health. The transition months are crucial, as temperature inversions become more frequent, preventing vertical mixing and allowing pollutants to accumulate. Winter (June-August) is typically the most challenging period. Cold, stable air masses frequently settle over the Golfo Nuevo, creating temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the surface. This, combined with reduced wind speeds, can lead to periods of poorer air quality. Spring (September-November) witnesses a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and wind patterns become more dynamic, though fog remains a factor, especially in September and October. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during winter and periods of fog, limiting outdoor exertion and monitoring local air quality reports. Agricultural activities, such as fertilizer application, can also contribute to localized air pollution during spring and autumn, necessitating awareness of potential impacts on air quality.