THE ATCHAFALAYA RIVER DELTA, REPORT 9: WIND CLIMATOLOGY

Abstract : This report contains a description of the wind climate typical of the Atchafalaya Bay area. Frequencies of occurrence of various synoptic circulation patterns as well as statistical estimates of wind speed and direction for each pattern given. The seasonal variation of the wind climate is investigated. Prototype wind data used in this study are comprised of 15 years of long-term data from New Orleans adn Lake Charles and 1 year of data measured within the Atchafalaya Bay. Some shipboard observations are included as well. Statistical information includes frequencies of occurrence, estimates of duration, and historical extremes.