Air Quality and Physical-Geographical Factors: Levon Azizyan on Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku

The air quality in cities is significantly influenced not only by anthropogenic factors but also by physical-geographical conditions such as relief, ventilation, prevailing winds, and the presence of the sea or valleys.

Levon Azizyan, director of the 'Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center,' presented details from the three capitals of the South Caucasus from the perspective of physical-geographical factors on his Facebook page:

1. Baku, best natural ventilation
   - Direct influence of the Caspian Sea
   - Constant strong winds (khazri, gilavar)
   - Open and flat relief
2. Tbilisi, average conditions
   - Located in the Kura River valley, which acts as a natural air corridor
   - Local winds form in the direction of the river, facilitating partial air exchange and transportation
   - Partially surrounded by mountains
3. Yerevan, high risk of air pollution accumulation
   - Closed Ararat Valley
   - Weak winds
   - Frequent thermal inversions at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter

Conclusion:
From a physical-geographical perspective, Yerevan is the most vulnerable, Tbilisi is average, and Baku has the most favorable natural conditions for air self-purification.