CONTEMPORARY CHARACTERISTICS OF AIR TEMPERATURE IN THE AROUND THE CASPIAN PART OF THE KUR-ARAZ VALLEY

Abstract

In the article, the modern temperature regime in this province was studied based on the preliminary data of the air temperature in the Kura-Araz lowland surrounding the Caspian Sea covering the years 1961-2023. The average monthly, seasonal, and annual characteristics of  temperature have been determined, and the distribution of its average annual indicators over the earth's surface has been mapped. At the same time, the dynamics of the indicators in 1961-2023 were followed in order to determine the effects of climate changes currently affecting the region on the temperature regime. The study shows that January is the coldest month, and July and August are the warmest months in the Kura-Araz lowland near the Caspian. Spring is milder than summer and autumn. The regularity of the decrease of the average annual temperature indicators with increasing height is partially violated in the regions of the province, which are close to the sea and have a low relief. Average annual temperature indicators in the center of the plain are higher than in coastal regions. When examining the effects of climate change, it was found that the air temperature increased by an average of 1.80C across the plains from 1971-1980. Compared to the last norm (1961-1990), the average annual air temperature in the lowland increased by 0.90C in 1991-2023. Due to regional climate changes, the increase in air temperature in the plains will lead to the expansion of desertification and the salinization of areas suitable for agriculture. Here, "warming" has led to an increase in evaporation and a decrease in precipitation. Research work can play an invaluable role in climate change mitigation measures, farm management and the creation of new climate atlases.