Bioclimatic mapping of temperature dynamics in Northern Iraq

Dept. of Geography, Ibn Rushd College of Education, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq

¹ Corresponding author: Khattab.m@ircoedu.uobaghdad.edu.iq

Abstract

This study investigates the biological and ecological implications of temperature variation in northern Iraq through bioclimatic modeling and temporal-spatial analysis. Using long-term temperature data (1991–2021) from the Kirkuk, Mosul, and Tikrit meteorological stations, bioclimatic indices were derived to assess potential effects on local ecosystems and species distributions. Advanced two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), and four-dimensional (4D) temporal-spatial mapping models were developed within a geographic information system (GIS) framework to visualize temperature dynamics and biological relevance over time. The 4D bioclimatic maps revealed clear spatial-temporal gradients linked to potential habitat shifts and environmental stress zones, offering a biologically meaningful perspective on climate variability. The integration of time as the fourth dimension significantly enhanced interpretation accuracy and reduced mapping errors compared to traditional visualization methods. These findings provide a valuable foundation for understanding climate-driven biological processes and support future ecological and biodiversity studies in the region.