Could wind farms have unintended consequences on weather patterns?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential unintended consequences of large-scale wind farms on weather patterns, particularly concerning their impact on continental currents and overall climate. Participants explore the implications of extensive wind energy generation as proposed by T. Boone Pickens, questioning whether such developments could lead to adverse effects on weather systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the scale of wind farms and whether they could disrupt weather patterns, suggesting that large cities might have similar effects due to tall buildings.
  • Another participant speculates on the extent of wind farms, noting a proposal for them to stretch from the Canadian border to Texas, and considers the efficiency of wind turbine blades compared to buildings.
  • A participant raises a concern about trading "global warming" for "global stilling," referencing a letter in Scientific American that discusses energy budgets and the feasibility of renewable energy sources.
  • There is skepticism about whether wind farms and solar panels can sufficiently replace the energy potential of fossil fuels, particularly oil drilling off the Pacific Coast.
  • One participant shares a link to an article in Scientific American to support their points regarding sustainable energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the potential impacts of wind farms on weather patterns and the feasibility of renewable energy sources replacing fossil fuels. There is no consensus on these issues, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the scale of wind farms and their potential effects on weather, as well as the efficiency of renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels. Specific mathematical or scientific details regarding energy potential and environmental impact are not fully explored.

Zamdrist
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Not 100% certain this is the best place to ask this question, though I've asked questions here before, and there seems to be some smart and helpful people here.

I was pondering wind farms and thinking about T. Boone Pickens' idea of huge expansive wind farms to generate energy. Apparently the goal is to generate around 4 giga watts of energy with these farms.

I'm wondering that if on such a grand scale might there be any possibility of inadvertent side effects? Such as the misdirection/interruption of continental currents, and thus adversely effecting weather?

Perhaps the question is best posed to a meteorologist, not sure.
 
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Hmm.. how "grand scale" are we talking?

From a logical view, I'd say it's not something to be concerned about. If this was the case, wouldn't a large city produce nearly the same effect with so many tall buildings?
 
Triggers12 said:
Hmm.. how "grand scale" are we talking?

From a logical view, I'd say it's not something to be concerned about. If this was the case, wouldn't a large city produce nearly the same effect with so many tall buildings?

Well I though I've heard the goal is to have wind farms stretching from the Canadian border down to Texas. So pretty much or more or less cutting a line down the middle of the US.

I hadn't though of buildings affecting wind patterns, but its a valid point. Though I'd counter the blades of the wind machines are more efficient and effective than say a building.

Just thinking out loud about it, that's all.
 
So we trade "global warming" for "global stilling"?

Seriously, a letter in Scientific American recently brought up the same point, in response to an article that evaluated how all our energy budget can be satisfied using solar, wind, etc.
 
JDługosz said:
So we trade "global warming" for "global stilling"?

Seriously, a letter in Scientific American recently brought up the same point, in response to an article that evaluated how all our energy budget can be satisfied using solar, wind, etc.

I wouldn't suggest we not use wind farms at all, but I've got to wonder how many wind farms and solar panels it would take to replace the energy potential of the oil we will no longer be drilling for off the Pacific Coast.

Sure, we can be come more efficient and supplement energy needs with renewable sources, but enough to forgo the use of fossil fuels significantly? I have my doubts.
 

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