The relationship between climate classes and particulate matters over Europe.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climatology
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM10) concentrations are influenced by climatic conditions.
• Understanding the spatial and temporal relationship between climate zones and PM10 is crucial for air quality management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between spatial patterns of particulate matter (PM10) and Köppen-Geiger climate zones across Europe.
• To analyze projected changes in PM10 concentrations under future climate scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Utilized present and future Köppen-Geiger climate maps.
• Analyzed continental-scale time series of particulate matter (PM10).
• Identified spatial clusters of PM10 and their overlap with climate zones.

Main Results:

• Five distinct spatial patterns of PM10 were identified across Europe, showing significant overlap with major Köppen-Geiger climate zones.
• Future climate projections indicate a poleward shift of warmer zones, expansion of arid zones, and shrinking of polar/tundra zones, potentially increasing PM10 in Northern Europe.
• Temporal shifts in the timing of PM10 extremes were observed between 2013-2022.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a clear link between European climate zones and clustered PM10 time series.
• Future climate change is projected to alter PM10 concentrations and their temporal distribution, particularly in Northern Europe.
• These findings provide a basis for estimating future changes in PM10 levels, aiding in air quality forecasting and mitigation strategies.