The results of the climatic elements analysis during the period (2000–2024) indicate a general upward trend in the annual average temperatures across the mountainous regions of Duhok Governorate. This shift has directly affected precipitation patterns, leading to a decline in snow accumulation at lower altitudes.
Factors Affecting Snowfall
The Impact of Temperature on Snow:
• Phase Transformation: Temperature governs the conversion of snowfall into rain as it rises.
• Freezing Level: As temperatures increase, the freezing level rises, thereby shrinking the total snow-covered area.
• Ablation: Higher temperatures accelerate the melting process of snow post-fall.
• Global Warming: Long-term climate warming reduces the frequency and intensity of snowstorms.
Key Conclusions
1. Rising Temperatures: A prominent upward trend was observed across all stations, becoming most significant during the period 2013–2024.
2. Receding Snow Cover: There is a general decline in snow-covered areas within low and mid-altitude zones.
3. Decreased Spatial Variation: A noticeable reduction in the spatial differences between various mountainous regions compared to the beginning of the study period.
4. Confirmed Inverse Relationship: Rising temperatures are the primary driver behind the decrease in both the extent and density of snow cover.
5. High-Altitude Concentration: Snowfall has become largely confined to mountain peaks exceeding 1,500–2,000 meters above sea level.