Variability of Human-Biometeorological Conditions in Gdańsk

Abstract

This paper concerns the characterization of temporal and spatial variability of thermal and air quality conditions within the area of Gdansk – a port city The classification of thermo-physiological conditions was done with the use of UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) and the quality of air was determined with the use of CAQI (Common Air Quality Index). The analysis was done on the basis of meteorological and concentration of pollution data from the period of 2005-10 obtained from two automatic stations of the Agency of Regional Air Quality Monitoring in Gdansk metropolitan area (ARMAAG). It was found that annually two UTCI classes occur most frequently in Gdansk metropolitan area: no thermal stress and moderate cold stress, wherein in the center of the city (Wrzeszcz station) no thermal stress occurred more frequently and moderate cold stress in the southwest region of Gdansk (Jasien station). Favorable thermal conditions prevail in both regions of the city in the warm half year (April-September): no thermal stress constitutes around 65% of hours in the city center and 51% on the outskirts. In the cold half year (October-March) cold stress (UTCI <9oC) is most frequently recorded in both stations: 95% in Wrzeszcz and 98% in Jasien. The assessment of air quality conducted with the use of CAQI shows that annually the satisfactory quality of air (very low, low, medium) which does not pose a threat to humans occurs on average 96.5% in Gdansk Wrzeszcz and 98.8% in Gdansk Jasien. CAQI index classes high and very high corresponding to poor air quality are rarely recorded in Gdansk metropolitan area: more frequently in the city center (3.5%) than on the outskirts (1.2%), predominantly in the cold half year. It was found that high concentration of PM10 was a decisive factor in all cases of recorded poor air quality.