Wind gradient

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A wind gradient describes the change in velocity and/or direction of the wind in a certain direction.

Where it is found

There is always a significant wind gradient just above the ground, where the wind gets stronger with increasing altitude.^[1] This is due to the ground providing friction for the overrunning wind, which forces slowing right near the surface.

Effects on Flight

The technique of dynamic soaring allows birds and sailplanes to gain energy from wind gradients. Vertical wind gradients affect aircraft landing and taking off: It is part of the reason why airplanes land and take off into the wind. During climb into increasing wind, the airspeed increases, allowing the plane to gain energy and climb faster. During landing, it helps the aircraft to lose energy and descend, though there is a risk in strong wind gradients that the airspeed can approach stalling speed. Landing with the wind causes aircraft tendency to overshoot because of the energy gain associated with the process. These effects are more pronounced for lighter and slower planes.

See also

• Wind shear

References

1. ^ National Wind Coordinating Committee. Wind Energy Resources. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.

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