Journal of Geophysical Research Wind Energy Journal of Geophysical Research

Wind Energy The Spatial and Temporal Distributions of U.S. Winds and Windpower at 80 m Derived from Measurements Paper by Cristina L. Archer and Mark Z. Jacobson. 2002. Journal of Geophysical Research, Atmospheres. Presented by Megan Colonel, Environmental Studies, GEOG 370, February 24, 2010

Wind Stability and Reliability Problem: The prices of electricity from gas and coal powered fire plants have been extremely volatile in the past decades. Additionally, gas and coal emit large amounts of carbon and other components that could be leading causes in respiratory disease and global climate change. Wind has the potential to solve many of these problems as long as it can be proven as a consistent and reliable source of energy. The study assesses the possibility of creating wind farms in the US and where they could be placed. For the proper implementation of wind energy, winds in a particular area must be consistently above 6.9m/s (15.4mph) at an altitude of 80 m.

Methods, Data and Test: Site: Measurements were taken from over 1,400 sites around the United States at different altitudes (10m-80m). Determined the following for each site: Wind speed Wind consistency Lots of mathematical equations and statistical analysis (best fit lines etc. )

Results There are numerous wind sites in the United States that would be suitable for wind farms. The United States has nearly 25% of its land area with the necessary wind conditions of 6.9m/s or higher for sustained amounts of time. Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and southeastern offshore sites

Wind Strength Measurements -Higher winds were located in the central region of the United States as well as some offshore sites