A wind analysis for the northern Irish Sea

✍ Scribed by G. Reynolds

• Book ID: 104571936
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1956
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 618 KB
• Volume: 82
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0035-9009
• DOI: 10.1002/qj.49708235410

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

This paper presents frequency distributions of winds recorded at five stations in the northern Irish Sea, Holyhead, Point of Ayre, Liverpool (Bidston), Southport and Fleetwood, particular stress being laid on the strong or gale‐force winds. Figures are published which may be used for estimating the highest hourly wind speed and maximum gust to be expected in a given number of years. The direction and time of these extreme winds are discussed. The frequencies of winds of different speeds are tabulated; the frequncies of gales and winds in excess of 40 kt are examined in detail.

The relationships between the direction and strength of the geostrophic, gradient and surface wind over the area have been closely examined. It is found that neigther the geostrophic nor the gradient winds can be used to provide quantitative estimates of the surface winds either in speed or direction, on specific occasions, nor in the surface wind at one station closely related to the surface wind at another.

The variation of wind speed throughout the year is indicated.