Wind Directions
Definition
Wind directions describe the compass orientation from which the wind originates, shaping dispersion, energy yield, erosion, and comfort. GIS represents direction with wind roses, time-of-day composites, and terrain-modified flow models. Long-term statistics guide infrastructure siting; short-term forecasts inform operations.
Application
Air quality models set plume paths, architects orient buildings for ventilation, transportation plans snowdrift controls, and renewable energy optimizes turbine orientation.
FAQ
How do complex terrains alter prevailing directions?
Valley channeling and slope flows create local regimes that differ from synoptic winds; high-resolution models and mast data capture these effects.
What temporal summaries are most useful?
Seasonal and diurnal roses reveal patterns hidden in annual averages, guiding design for specific operating periods.
How should calm conditions be handled in roses?
Represent calm frequency explicitly; otherwise, direction distributions can appear biased.
How do wind shifts affect emergency response?
Rapid changes during fires or chemical releases demand updateable maps and decision thresholds tied to observed shifts.
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