THE CHANGE IN BIOCLIMATIC REGIONS IN IRAQ FOR THE PERIOD (1988-2020) BASED ON THE WIND COOLING INDEX

Abstract

The study aims to demonstrate the changes in the boundaries of bioclimatic regions in Iraq, which are of great importance to human comfort and are factors that affect their health and activities. The research included analyzing the changes in climate characteristics that are closely related to human comfort. Climate data from nineteen stations for the period (1988-2020) were used, and the wind cooling index was applied for each month during the day and for each cycle to determine the bioclimatic regions clearly and accurately. The results were then represented cartographically for the bioclimatic regions for each month and each cycle, and a comparison was made between the three cycles to determine the changes in the boundaries of the bioclimatic regions. Statistical techniques were also used to determine differences in the bioclimatic regions based on standard deviation, difference magnitude, direction, and annual and overall rate of change. One of the notable results of the study is the periodic differences in the rates of climate elements, particularly in temperature rates, which showed a relative increase in the third cycle compared to the first and second cycles. The study found remarkable results in the changes in the boundaries of the bioclimatic regions in Iraq as a result of climate change. The study achieved a high percentage of its hypothesis through an accurate statistical scientific approach. Tables were also created to present the results using color variations, and maps were used to illustrate the regions and their changes.