Characteristics of spatiotemporal distribution of strong winds in Kura-Araks plain

Climate change that is currently occurring on Earth is causing spatial and temporal changes in unique natural phenomena in all regions. One of the effects of global warming on the South Caucasus region, especially in Azerbaijan, which is one of its most complex physical and geographical regions, is a change in the wind regime. In the Kura-Aras lowland, which is a large agricultural region of the country, strong winds have recently caused significant damage to agriculture. The purpose of the study is to identify changes in the multi-year wind regime. In this study, based on observational data from hydrometeorological stations operating in the Kura-Araks plain between 1991 and 2022, the characteristics of recurring strong winds are determined. Analyses were carried out using mathematical and statistical methods, and the monthly and annual recurrence of different wind speed gradations was studied. The analysis shows that the maximum recurrence of strong winds in the Kura-Araks plain occurs in March, and the minimum in August. In the plain, the recurrence of winds with a speed of more than 15 m/sec is, on average, 23 days per year. During the year, the recurrence of winds with a speed ranging from 10 to 20 m/sec and 30 to 40 m/sec is characteristic. During the analyzed period, a higher recurrence of winds with a speed greater than 15 m/s was recorded in Neftchala and Bilasuvar, while a lower recurrence was observed in Kurdamir. The highest recorded wind speed in the plain was 38 m/sec in Neftchala in September. Atmospheric processes entering the plain from the east, north, and south directions create higher wind recurrence rates. The results of the research can be used for the construction of economic, industrial, transport, and residential infrastructure, as well as for the formation of alternative energy complexes, mapping, and other applications. With the increase in air temperature in recent years, a positive trend in the frequency of winds has occurred since 2013. This further confirms that climate change has an impact on the wind regime. The results show that in the Kura-Aras lowland, east, southeast, and south winds are more frequent throughout the year. Winds with a speed of more than 15 m/s occur more often in February, March, and April. Strong winds with a speed of more than 15 m/s were recorded most frequently in Zardab (46 days per year) and Bilasuvar (43 days per year).