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Ezine, nestled in the Çanakkale province of Turkey, occupies a strategic position in the northern Aegean region. The town is situated approximately 20 kilometers inland from the Gulf of Saros, a significant body of water influencing local climate and air circulation. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and agricultural plains, typical of the Marmara Region’s transition to the Aegean. Ezine’s elevation, around 150 meters above sea level, moderates temperatures but doesn’t fully shield it from regional pollution sources. The surrounding landscape is dominated by olive groves – Ezine is renowned for its olive oil production – and agricultural fields, with some forested areas further inland. While Ezine itself isn’t heavily industrialized, its proximity to larger industrial centers along the Marmara Sea and the Dardanelles Strait means it can be affected by transported pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the town center is compact, quickly giving way to agricultural land. This proximity to agricultural activity introduces potential sources of particulate matter from field preparation and harvesting. The prevailing winds, generally from the northwest, can carry pollutants from the more densely populated and industrialized areas to the southeast, impacting Ezine’s air quality. The Gulf of Saros provides some degree of dispersion, but temperature inversions, common in the valleys, can trap pollutants, exacerbating local air quality issues.

Ezine experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, profoundly impacting its air quality. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement in air quality as rainfall washes away accumulated winter pollutants, but agricultural burning for field preparation can temporarily elevate particulate matter. Summer (June-August) typically presents the clearest air, aided by strong winds and limited heating-related emissions. However, prolonged drought conditions can increase dust levels. Autumn (September-November) marks a transition period. Harvesting activities contribute to particulate matter, and the onset of cooler temperatures leads to increased wood and coal burning for heating, particularly in rural areas. This often results in a noticeable decline in air quality. Winter (December-February) is generally the period of poorest air quality. Temperature inversions are frequent, trapping pollutants from heating sources close to the ground. Rainfall is higher, but often insufficient to fully cleanse the air. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during autumn and winter months. Monitoring local conditions and avoiding peak heating hours are advisable. The months of June, July, and August generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.