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Tall Qaşab, nestled within the Nīnawá Governorate of Iraq, occupies a geographically significant position on the Nineveh Plains. Located at coordinates 36.2586° N, 41.9438° E, the city sits approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Mosul, a major urban centre. The terrain is characterized by gently rolling plains, part of the broader Mesopotamian landscape, with an elevation around 340 meters above sea level. This relatively flat topography, while facilitating agriculture, can also contribute to air stagnation. The Tigris River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially trapping pollutants during temperature inversions. Historically an agricultural hub, the surrounding area is dominated by farmland, with wheat and barley being primary crops. However, the recent conflicts and displacement have disrupted agricultural practices and introduced new pollution sources. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from the town’s built environment to open agricultural land. The proximity to Mosul, with its industrial activity and reconstruction efforts, introduces a potential for long-range pollutant transport. Dust storms, a common feature of the region, significantly impact air quality, originating from the arid lands to the west and southwest. The city’s location within a historically contested region also presents challenges to consistent environmental monitoring and mitigation.

Tall Qaşab experiences a Mediterranean-influenced climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Air quality in Tall Qaşab is markedly seasonal. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement as rainfall washes away accumulated dust and pollutants, though agricultural burning can temporarily worsen conditions. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat and stable atmospheric conditions, exacerbating dust and particulate matter concentrations. The lack of rainfall and strong winds leads to pollutant build-up. Autumn (September-November) offers a brief respite with cooler temperatures and increased precipitation, improving air quality. However, this is often followed by increased heating fuel use as temperatures drop. Winter (December-February) is characterized by cooler, wetter conditions, but also temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Fog can also form, increasing particulate matter concentrations. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the summer months and periods of fog. Dust storms are most frequent between March and July, requiring mask use and indoor shelter. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from the west and southwest typically carry the highest dust loads. Local agricultural practices, such as post-harvest burning, contribute to seasonal spikes in particulate pollution.