The Use of Certain Climatic Indicators in Defining Comfort Zones (A Case Study of Mosul City)

Abstract

This study examines The Use of Certain Climatic Indicators in Defining Comfort Zones: A Case Study of Mosul City, located at the intersection of latitude 36°19' N and longitude 43°09' E, at an altitude of 223 meters above sea level. Human health and comfort are significantly influenced by various climatic conditions, which directly impact an individual's sense of ease or discomfort. The variations in climatic elements throughout the months and seasons of the year lead to differing levels of comfort depending on the time of year.

The findings reveal that comfort is absent throughout the winter season and in March of spring, as increased wind speed intensifies the sensation of extreme cold, creating uncomfortable conditions that necessitate heavy clothing and heating systems. Similarly, summer is entirely uncomfortable, along with June (spring) and September (autumn), requiring light clothing and cooling systems for relief. In contrast, April, May, October, and November are identified as the most comfortable months for human well-being.

The study also highlights that, apart from these optimal months, other periods are climatically uncomfortable unless aided by artificial climate control measures (heating or cooling systems). Using comfort indicators derived from the combined Thom (THI) and Siple & Passel (K0) indices, an analysis of comfort zones was conducted for the period 1980–2022. The results identified two distinct climatic zones throughout the year:

1- Comfortable Zone (B-type): Present in spring and autumn, providing moderate climatic conditions.

2- Uncomfortable Zone (D-type): Present in winter (cold and unpleasant) and summer (hot and unpleasant), both of which create discomfort for human activity.

The study applied Thom’s (THI) and Siple & Passel’s (K0) formulas and analyzed their indicators using an inductive analytical methodology to assess comfort levels.