Relation Between Air Quality and Wind Speed in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between wind speed and atmospheric constituents (nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and aerosol index (AI)) in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. The analysis focuses on how topographically constrained basins and low wind speeds influence the accumulation of atmospheric constituents. Pixel-based seasonal analyses were conducted using TROPOMI satellite data (2019–2024) and TerraClimate wind speed data. The methodological framework integrates Pearson correlation, time-lag analysis, and K-means clustering to quantify both instantaneous and delayed relationships between wind speed and atmospheric variables. Results indicate that NO 2 and CO 2 concentrations increased by 40–60% based on normalized concentration differences between wind speed classes (< 4 m/s vs. > 4 m/s), particularly in semi-closed basins such as Elazığ, Iğdır, and Malatya. Time-lag analysis reveals that aerosol transport exhibits approximately 1-month delays, reflecting the influence of boundary-layer stability and weak convective processes. In contrast, regions with higher elevations and open topography (e.g., Erzurum and Kars) show significant decreases in atmospheric constituent concentrations under higher wind conditions. O 3 variability is primarily controlled by transport-driven photochemical processes involving NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The findings highlight that atmospheric accumulation patterns are governed not only by wind speed but also by topography and atmospheric dynamics. This study provides a regional-scale framework for understanding delayed responses to pollutants. It emphasizes the importance of integrating meteorological thresholds into air quality management and early warning systems under changing climate conditions.