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Sotteville-lès-Rouen, nestled in the heart of Normandy, France, occupies a strategically important position just north of the historic city of Rouen, along the Seine River. Its coordinates (49.4092, 1.0900) place it within a gently undulating landscape, characterized by fertile plains gradually rising towards the southern fringes. The city’s terrain is relatively flat, facilitating urban development, but also presenting challenges for air dispersion, particularly during periods of meteorological stagnation. The Seine River, a major artery of France, exerts a significant influence on the local climate and, consequently, air quality. The river’s presence moderates temperatures to some extent, but can also contribute to localized humidity and fog formation, trapping pollutants. Sotteville-lès-Rouen sits within a broader agricultural belt, with surrounding areas dedicated to cereal cultivation and livestock farming, which can contribute to ammonia emissions and particulate matter, especially during harvest seasons. To the west, the urban sprawl of Rouen gradually blends into a rural mosaic of fields and woodlands. The proximity to Rouen’s industrial zones, historically centered around metalworking and chemical industries, means Sotteville-lès-Rouen is susceptible to pollutants originating from those sources. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city transitioning quickly to agricultural land, impacting the background air quality and creating a complex interplay between urban and rural pollution sources. Elevation is minimal, rarely exceeding 50 meters above sea level, further hindering vertical air mixing and potentially exacerbating ground-level pollution concentrations.

Sotteville-lès-Rouen’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by the region’s temperate maritime climate. Winter months (December-February) often present the most challenging conditions. Cold temperatures and frequent temperature inversions – where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground – lead to pollutant accumulation, particularly particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from residential heating and road traffic. Fog, common during these months, further restricts dispersion. Spring (March-May) brings a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and wind speeds increase, aiding in pollutant dispersal. Agricultural activities, however, can introduce ammonia emissions. Summer (June-August) generally sees the best air quality, with warm, dry conditions and prevailing winds effectively clearing pollutants. However, occasional heatwaves can lead to stagnant air and ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) marks a transitional period. Cooler temperatures return, and the harvest season intensifies agricultural emissions. The increased use of wood-burning stoves as temperatures drop can also contribute to particulate pollution. Months like November often see a resurgence of poorer air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during winter and autumn, limiting outdoor exertion on days with visibly reduced visibility or noticeable odors. During summer heatwaves, staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during peak ozone hours is advisable. Regular monitoring of local air quality reports is recommended throughout the year to inform daily decisions regarding outdoor activities.