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Nurdağı, situated in the Gaziantep Province of Turkey, occupies a strategic position within the southeastern Anatolian region. The city’s coordinates (37.1789, 36.7397) place it on a plateau landscape, characterized by gently rolling hills and agricultural lands. Elevation varies, but generally sits around 850-900 meters above sea level, influencing temperature patterns and atmospheric circulation. Unlike coastal cities, Nurdağı is inland, lacking the moderating influence of large bodies of water. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with extensive wheat fields, pistachio orchards, and vineyards dominating the rural areas. Gaziantep, a major industrial hub, lies relatively close, creating a gradient of industrial emissions impacting the regional air quality. The urban-rural gradient is noticeable, with air quality generally deteriorating closer to the city center due to localized traffic and domestic heating. Topography plays a role; the plateau can experience temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Dust storms, originating from the Syrian Desert to the southeast, are a recurring feature, contributing significantly to particulate matter concentrations. The city’s location within a seismically active zone also influences long-term urban planning and infrastructure, potentially impacting emergency response to pollution events.

Nurdağı experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, profoundly influencing its air quality. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual increase in temperatures and agricultural activity, leading to increased dust from field preparation and potential burning of agricultural waste, temporarily elevating particulate matter. Summer (June-August) is typically drier with higher temperatures, often accompanied by stable atmospheric conditions that can trap pollutants from regional sources and vehicle emissions. While winds can offer some dispersion, prolonged heatwaves exacerbate ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) brings a transition period with increased rainfall, which helps to cleanse the atmosphere, but also coincides with the start of domestic heating using coal and wood, contributing to higher levels of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Winter (December-February) is the most challenging period. Cold temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to poor air quality. Rainfall is more frequent, but often insufficient to fully clear the accumulated pollution. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during winter months and periods of stagnant air. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants can drift from nearby industrial areas.