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Ambohibe, nestled within the Toamasina Province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position along the eastern coast. Located at approximately -17.4346° latitude and 49.1069° longitude, the city’s immediate surroundings are characterized by a blend of coastal plains and gently undulating terrain. The proximity to the Indian Ocean exerts a powerful influence on the local climate and, consequently, air quality. Ambohibe sits within a region dominated by the Betsimisaraka Plateau, a relatively low-lying area that facilitates the movement of air masses. The urban character is primarily that of a small, developing town, with a population of around 16,000, exhibiting a gradual urban-rural gradient as one moves inland. The landscape surrounding Ambohibe is a mosaic of small-scale agriculture – primarily rice cultivation and the growing of fruits and vegetables – interspersed with pockets of dense tropical forest. To the west, the terrain rises slightly, providing some barrier to prevailing winds, while the eastern exposure allows for direct interaction with maritime airflows. The presence of the Port of Toamasina, a major industrial and trading hub, lies approximately 30 kilometers north, and its activities, including shipping and processing of agricultural goods, can contribute to regional air pollution episodes. The relatively flat topography and coastal location mean that pollutants, particularly those of local origin, can linger and accumulate, especially under stable atmospheric conditions. The surrounding agricultural practices, while vital to the local economy, can also introduce particulate matter and volatile organic compounds into the air.

Ambohibe’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting air quality throughout the year. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While the rain itself can help to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by lower rainfall and generally clearer skies, but also by a greater propensity for stagnant air conditions. During this period, particularly in July and August, temperature inversions can occur, trapping pollutants close to the ground. These inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air, prevent vertical mixing and lead to a build-up of emissions from local sources, such as cooking fires and agricultural activities. The prevailing trade winds, which are typically stronger during the dry season, can offer some relief by dispersing pollutants, but their effectiveness is reduced when inversions are present. Fog, common during the transition periods between seasons, can also trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of stagnant air or fog. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although the high humidity may still pose a challenge for some. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing, can significantly degrade air quality during the transition to the dry season, creating short-term but intense pollution events.