Wind Speeds at Different Elevations: What's the Impact?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how wind speeds vary with elevation, exploring the factors that influence these changes, including friction with the ground and specific elevation thresholds. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications, particularly in relation to aviation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how wind speeds change as a function of elevation, suggesting a general inquiry into the topic.
  • Another participant notes the role of ground friction in influencing wind speeds at lower elevations.
  • A claim is made that wind speeds tend to be faster at higher elevations, although specific data or correction factors used by hurricane hunter aircraft are not provided.
  • A participant shares a link to a statistical maximum wind speed curve, indicating a reference point for understanding wind speed variations.
  • A question is raised regarding the reasons for a sudden change in wind speeds above 10 km, indicating a potential area of interest or confusion.
  • One participant speculates that there may be only a marginal increase in wind speeds at an elevation of around 300 ft, suggesting a specific scenario for consideration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying viewpoints on the relationship between wind speed and elevation, with some agreeing on the general trend of increasing speeds at higher elevations while others raise specific questions and uncertainties. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of these changes and the factors influencing them.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including missing assumptions about environmental conditions, dependence on specific definitions of elevation, and unresolved questions about the mechanisms behind changes in wind speeds at different altitudes.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in meteorology, aviation, and environmental science may find this discussion relevant, particularly those exploring the dynamics of wind behavior at varying elevations.

Starwatcher16
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How does Wind speeds change as a function of elevation?
 
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You mean other than by friction with with the ground?
 
higher is faster

I know hurricane hunter aircraft use a correction factor
but have no idea what the exact numbers are
 
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/atmosphere/TH1G3.jpg
A typical statistical maximum wind speed curve.
Credits - NASA
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/atmosphere/TH1G3.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Why the sudden change above 10km?
 
So I can expect there to be only a marginal increase (like <5%) in wind speeds at an elevation of around 300 ft?
 

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