Journal of Research in Atmospheric Science (JRAS), Year 2025 Issue 2

Long-Term Spatial-Temporal Variation of Skin Temperature in Iraq during 1980–2024

Samir K. Al-Maamory — 2025-12-28

Abstract

One of the most significant variables influencing both humans and the biosphere is skin temperature. The study of skin temperature in the global atmosphere is the most important environmental issue for the next few decades. Climate change is significantly impacted by the rise in skin temperature. Global skin temperatures must be significantly reduced to mitigate climate change. The main focus of this study is to examine the average monthly, seasonal, and annual surface skin temperatures in Iraq between 180 and 2023. Variability and trends over time and space are also examined. Almost every month and season exhibits a statistically significant upward trend when the entire period is examined. There has also been a discernible shift toward warmer years, with noticeably warmer spring and summer and somewhat warmer fall and winter. Summer and winter average temperatures have risen by 1.06°C and 2.15°C, respectively. The average annual temperature increased by nearly 1.7°C during that time. To describe the trends and variability, the air temperature time series is analyzed.

Estimation of carbon footprint for sustainable campus planning: A case from Türkiye/Kırklareli University Kayalı Campus

Betül Özer — 2025-12-28

The European Green Deal, launched by the European Commission in 2019, targets a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. In line with this goal, the “Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Campus Project” implemented through a protocol between the Council of Higher Education and relevant ministries, encourages universities to take an active role in sustainability and climate action. This study aims to determine the carbon footprint of Kırklareli University’s (KLU) Kayalı Campus and reveal its current status toward achieving a sustainable and climate-friendly campus. The motivation for this research is to contribute to higher education institutions’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support carbon neutrality targets under the European Green Deal. Due to methodological differences, unclear system boundaries, and the underestimation of indirect (Scope 3 and Scope 4) emissions in the literature, cross-institutional comparisons remain limited. Addressing this gap, this study applies a comprehensive calculation framework covering Scopes 1, 2, 3, and 4, based on the IPCC Guidelines, DEFRA emission factors, and ISO 14064 standard. The findings indicate that total GHG emissions for 2024 were 5642 tCO₂e/year, carbon sequestration was 405.9 tCO₂e/year, and net emissions amounted to 5237 tCO₂e/year. The major emission sources were natural gas and electricity consumption (1616 tCO₂e/year; 29%), transportation (1184 tCO₂e/year; 21%), and solid waste disposal (603.5 tCO₂e/year; 11%). The results provide a baseline for carbon management and reduction strategies at the campus level. Overall, this study contributes to the standardization of carbon footprint assessment methodologies in higher education institutions and supports the development of sustainable campus practices.

Comparative Examination of Air Quality Trends and Extremes in a Mediterranean Climate: A Case Study of Adana, Türkiye

2025-12-28

Situated in a Mediterranean climate, Adana provides a representative setting for examining air pollution dynamics. This study analyzes spatiotemporal trends and extreme events across eight monitoring stations (2010–2024), applying linear regression and non-parametric tests (Mann–Kendall, Sen’s Slope) to evaluate long-term, short-term, and seasonal changes in eight pollutants (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, SO₂, O₃, CO, NO₂, NO, NOₓ). Long-term results revealed weak or insignificant trends, with slight reductions in NO and NOₓ at rural sites and PM₁₀ at urban traffic locations. These improvements plateaued after 2021, suggesting stabilization in regional air quality. Seasonal analyses highlighted winter increases in PM₁₀ and SO₂ due to heating and stagnant conditions, summer O₃ peaks linked to photochemical activity, and spring dust intrusions affecting rural stations. Autumn transitions contributed to variability in PM₁₀ and NOₓ. Extreme event analysis (2021–2024) identified PM₁₀ as the most frequently exceeded pollutant, particularly at traffic sites. CO and NOₓ peaks coincided with rush hours, while O₃ extremes occurred during summer midday; rural stations experienced episodic PM₁₀ surges during dust events. Weekly cycles revealed a “weekday effect” for combustion-related pollutants. Seasonal extremes confirmed winter peaks for CO and NOₓ, summer peaks for O₃, and spring/autumn peaks for PM₁₀. Although no significant long-term deterioration was observed, 8–12% of urban days exceeded thresholds compared to 3–5% in rural areas. These findings underscore a disconnect between average trends and extreme events, emphasizing the role of meteorological variability, regional transport, and episodic emissions. The alignment between regression and seasonal results indicates a phase of mature stabilization, yet persistent exceedances call for event-based management strategies.

Evaporation Estimation Using Penman Approach and Drought Analysis with SPI-SPEI in Lake Eğirdir

Melike BilginLevent Şaylan — 2025-12-28

Recent studies show that accelerating global warming is increasing evaporation-driven water losses, underscoring the environmental, social, and economic impacts on regional water resources. Lakes and reservoirs, which are highly sensitive to climate change, respond rapidly to changes in evaporation. Although various methods-such as water balance, energy balance, combined approaches, mass-transfer methods, and empirical formulas-have been developed to estimate lake evaporation, the Penman approach remains one of the most widely used due to its comprehensive variable set and reliability over open-water surfaces. In this study, the Penman evaporation model was applied to Eğirdir Lake using ERA5-Land data for 1990-2024 to assess the temporal evolution of evaporation. Relationships between evaporation and meteorological variables were examined, precipitation was analyzed, and SPI-SPEI indices were calculated to evaluate the region’s hydroclimatic conditions. Results show a clear increasing trend in lake evaporation over the past 35 years, mainly driven by rising temperatures, and decreasing relative humidity. Total evaporation over the study period was 30,013 mm, indicating substantial energy-driven water loss. SPI and SPEI indices reveal pronounced drought-wetness cycles, with severe drought years coinciding with peak evaporation. While precipitation-based SPI shows no significant long-term trend, SPEI-especially at 12-24-month scales-indicates a statistically significant shift toward increased aridity due to enhanced evaporative demand. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Eğirdir Lake’s water budget is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change, emphasizing the critical role of evaporation in regional water management.