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Selydove sits within the undulating terrain of the Donets Ridge in the Donets Basin, a region defined by its complex geological layers and intensive industrial history. Situated in the Donetsk Oblast, the city’s urban fabric is deeply intertwined with the extractive industries that characterize eastern Ukraine. The landscape is a mosaic of rolling steppe hills and significant topographical shifts caused by decades of subterranean coal mining. This uneven terrain plays a crucial role in local atmospheric dynamics, as the valleys and depressions created by both natural erosion and human activity can trap pollutants near the surface. The urban character is that of a dedicated industrial settlement, where residential zones are closely integrated with mining infrastructure and processing facilities. Unlike coastal cities that benefit from maritime breezes, Selydove’s inland position means it lacks significant moisture-laden air masses to assist in the natural washing of particulate matter from the atmosphere. Instead, the city is surrounded by a landscape of industrial belts and agricultural zones, creating a complex urban-rural gradient where dust from both mining operations and tilled soil can mingle. The elevation and the specific orientation of the surrounding hills influence local wind patterns, often resulting in stagnant air conditions during periods of low pressure. Consequently, the air quality is heavily dictated by the proximity to coal extraction sites and the way the local topography facilitates or hinders the dispersion of fine particulate matter and industrial aerosols across the settlement area within this unique and challenging eastern Ukrainian landscape of the Donbas region.

In Selydove, air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm dictated by the humid continental climate and local industrial activity. During the winter months, from December through February, residents often face the most challenging conditions. Cold temperatures frequently trigger temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps colder, pollutant-heavy air near the ground. This is compounded by increased reliance on heating fuels, which can elevate smoke and fine particulate concentrations. Spring brings a transition characterized by increased wind activity, which helps disperse winter pollutants, yet the thawing ground and agricultural preparation can stir up significant amounts of dust. Summer in the Donbas is typically hot and dry, which can exacerbate the presence of airborne particulates from coal-related activities and dried-out soil. However, occasional heavy summer thunderstorms provide a natural cleansing effect, temporarily improving air quality. Autumn is a period of moderate conditions, though increasing humidity and fog can sometimes trap pollutants in the low-lying areas of the town. For outdoor enthusiasts, the late spring and early autumn months are generally the most favorable, offering the best balance of pleasant temperatures and relatively clearer air. Conversely, sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions like asthma—should exercise caution during winter inversion events and dry, windy summer afternoons. Monitoring local meteorological shifts is essential, as sudden changes in wind direction or the onset of stagnant high-pressure systems can rapidly alter the concentration of industrial and mineral-based aerosols within the immediate breathing zone of the city and its surrounding residential districts.