">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
By SETH BORENSTEIN,AP Science Writer AP - Thursday, June 11
WASHINGTON - The wind, a favorite power source of the green energy movement, seems to be dying down across the United States. And the cause, ironically, may be global warming _ the very problem wind power seeks to address.
ADVERTISEMENT
The idea that winds may be slowing is still a speculative one, and scientists disagree whether that is happening. But a first-of-its-kind study suggests that average and peak wind speeds have been noticeably slowing since 1973, especially in the Midwest and the East.
"It's a very large effect," said study co-author Eugene Takle, a professor of atmospheric science at Iowa State University. In some places in the Midwest, the trend shows a 10 percent drop or more over a decade. That adds up when the average wind speed in the region is about 10 to 12 miles per hour.
There's been a jump in the number of low or no wind days in the Midwest, said the study's lead author, Sara Pryor, an atmospheric scientist at Indiana University.
Wind measurements plotted out on U.S. maps by Pryor show wind speeds falling mostly along and east of the Mississippi River. Some areas that are banking on wind power, such as west Texas and parts of the Northern Plains, do not show winds slowing nearly as much. Yet, states such as Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, northern Maine and western Montana show some of the biggest drop in wind speeds.
"The stations bordering the Great Lakes do seem to have experienced the greatest changes," Pryor said Tuesday. That's probably because there's less ice on the lakes and wind speeds faster across ice than it does over water, she said.
Still, the study, which will be published in August in the peer-reviewed Journal of Geophysical Research, is preliminary. There are enough questions that even the authors say it's too early to know if this is a real trend or not. But it raises a new side effect of global warming that hasn't been looked into before.
The ambiguity of the results is due to changes in wind-measuring instruments over the years, according to Pryor. And while actual measurements found diminished winds, some climate computer models _ which are not direct observations _ did not, she said.
Yet, a couple of earlier studies also found wind reductions in Australia and Europe, offering more comfort that the U.S. findings are real, Pryor and Takle said.
It also makes sense based on how weather and climate work, Takle said. In global warming, the poles warm more and faster than the rest of the globe, and temperature records, especially in the Arctic, show this. That means the temperature difference between the poles and the equator shrinks and with it the difference in air pressure in the two regions. Differences in barometric pressure are a main driver in strong winds. Lower pressure difference means less wind.
Even so, that information doesn't provide the definitive proof that science requires to connect reduced wind speeds to global warming, the authors said. In climate change science, there is a rigorous and specific method _ which looks at all possible causes and charts their specific effects _ to attribute an effect to global warming. That should be done eventually with wind, scientists say.
Jeff Freedman, an atmospheric scientist with AWS Truewind, an Albany, N.Y., renewable energy consulting firm, has studied the same topic, but hasn't published in a scientific journal yet. He said his research has found no definitive trend of reduced surface wind speed.
One of the problems Pryor acknowledges with her study is that over many years, changing conditions near wind-measuring devices can skew data. If trees grow or buildings are erected near wind gauges, that could reduce speed measurements.
Several outside experts mostly agree that there are signs that wind speed is decreasing and that global warming is the likely culprit.
The new study "demonstrates, rather conclusively in my mind, that average and peak wind speeds have decreased over the U.S. in recent decades," said Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University.
A naysayer is Gavin Schmidt, a NASA climate scientist in New York who said the results conflict with climate models that show no effect from global warming. He also doubts that any decline in the winds that might be occurring has much of an effect on wind power.
But another expert, Jonathan Miles, of James Madison University, said a 10 percent reduction in wind speeds over a decade "would have an enormous effect on power production."
Pryor said a 10 percent change in peak winds would translate into a 30 percent change in how much energy is reaped. But because the research is in such early stages, she said, "at this point it would be premature to modify wind energy development plans."
Robert Gramlich, policy director at the American Wind Energy Association, said the idea of reduced winds was new to him. He wants to see verification from other studies before he worries too much about it.
___
Journal of Geophysical Research: http://www.agu.org/journals/jd/
AWS Truewind LLC: http://www.awstruewind.com/
Penn State Earth System Science Center: http://www.essc.psu.edu/
American Wind Energy Association: http://www.awea.org/
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Climate Change
Report: Climate change adding to migrationAP - Thursday, June 11
Japan unveils new climate change emissions targetAP - Thursday, June 11
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying downAP - Thursday, June 11
US climate envoy in China on emissions cutsAFP - Wednesday, June 10
Related Articles: World
US Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler-Fiat dealAFP - Wednesday, June 10
US eyes Pacific to resettle Uighur detaineesAP - Wednesday, June 10
Globe union moves to block 23 percent wage cutAP - Wednesday, June 10
NY school official wrestles gun from ex-policemanAP - Wednesday, June 10
Blagojevich to mock himself in improv comedy showAP - Wednesday, June 10
Related Full Coverage
climate change
climate change
All Full Coverage
Most Popular – World
Viewed
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
Carradine may have died from sex act: Thai police
President Obama's French food tested by 'taster'
Susan Boyle out of London clinic: brother
10 banks cleared to repay US Treasury 68 bln dlrs
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 10 June 2009 Iraqi accused in 5 US soldier deaths freed
Picasso drawings stolen from Paris museum
T-Mobile USA probes claim its network was hacked
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad "fabrications"
World getting 'very close' to swine flu pandemic: WHO
Militants attack Pakistani hotel, 5 dead, 25 injured
| International
|
Microsoft's Bing makes early gains: study
Iraq prisoner release brings hope for British hostages
10 banks cleared to repay US Treasury 68 bln dlrs
Crisis-hit Croatia steps up tourist promotion
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
California schoolbooks going digital
WHO on verge of declaring H1N1 flu pandemic
| International
|
Global chip foundry sales to rise: iSuppli
China Internet software rule's 'impact unclear'
Russia drops unilateral WTO bid for ex-Soviet pact
| International
|
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad fabrications
| International
|
US climate envoy in China on emissions cuts
At 85, George H.W. Bush plans another skydive
Bomb at luxury hotel in Pakistan kills at least 5
Army closing some special care units
New US forces in Afghanistan to be 'game changer'
Pollution experts: Save fish from drugs in water
Five killed and 25 hurt in Pakistani blast
Police: 2 teens killed to escape NY halfway house
Pakistani officials: Huge bomb at Peshawar hotel
Length of China quarantine uncertain for La. mayor
Seven dead, 34 injured in NW Pakistan hotel blast: officials
Guantanamo al Qaeda suspect in New York for trial
AP NewsAlert
Pentagon: Next 18 months key to Afghan victory
Microsoft reports record number of security flaws
| Technology
|
Bomb at Pakistani hotel, casualties reported
Excerpts of cockpit, radio flight communications
New Google tool targets Microsoft business users
| Technology
|
Maldives sets up zones to protect whale sharks
US eyes South Pacific to resettle Uighur detainees
U.N. powers close to deal on N.Korea sanctions
Defendants in German attacks plot trial say will confess
Microsoft's Bing makes early gains: study
| Technology
|
Indian air force plane missing with 12 on board
Google CEO says looking to buy smaller firms
| Technology
|
IBM aims to bolster partnerships amid weak economy
| Technology
|
T-Mobile USA probes claim its network was hacked
| Technology
|
Honda revved into US bike market 50 years ago
SKorea's Hyundai completes world's biggest oil platform
IMF hails China move to purchase bonds
GM launches clean fuel Spark compact car in India
China's auto sales soar 34% in May
Hollywood revving up DeLorean biopic
Idol runner-up Adam Lambert: I'm gay
| Entertainment
|
Britney Spears announces first tour in Australia
| Entertainment
|
'Perfect Storm' skipper fined for illegal fishing
Natalie Cole to resume singing tour after surgery
| Entertainment
|
Webby winners take awards with 5-word speeches
Marva Wright hospitalized after stroke
Alan Jackson celebrates 20 years with free show
Gypsy film festival kicks off in Salzburg
Taiwan president suggests using simplified Chinese characters
Britain's Blair launches global faith education project
Tiny Estonia tunes up for giant national-pride choir
Ex-Cirque du Soleil genius offers peek at new Macau special
Suriname acquits singer in Toni Braxton case
Bodies from Air France disaster being found
A look at Iran's presidential candidates
Russia says expecting new North Korea missile test
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
US Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler-Fiat deal
Tough-talking Medvedev visits turbulent region
Israeli Christians: Oil-streaked icon 'miracle'
Militants attack Pakistani hotel; 5 dead, 70 hurt
| International
|
Justice wants publisher information on Google deal: report
Past Iran president warns top leader before vote
Top judge in Russia's volatile Ingushetia shot dead
| International
|
IT staff snooping on colleagues on rise: survey
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad "fabrications"
Air France to replace speed sensors now: union
| International
|
US parents rearing a gadget generation: NPD Group
WHO on verge of declaring H1N1 flu pandemic
| International
|
Microsoft, Adobe warn of critical security flaws
U.S. envoy assures Israel of strong alliance
U.S. envoy assures Israel of strong alliance
| International
|
Google Apps synch to Microsoft Outlook email
Venezuelan slang key to bawdy Chavez's success
| International
|
Google CEO says looking to buy smaller firms
Arms dealers revel in Somali war business
| International
|
Russia drops unilateral WTO bid for ex-Soviet pact
| International
|
New Google tool targets Microsoft business users
Most Americans phone while driving despite dangers
Bing luring Internet searchers: comScore
US parents rearing a gadget generation: NPD Group
Aussie PM targeted over shaky slang
IT staff snooping on colleagues on rise: survey
| Technology
|
Palau agrees to take Uighur Guantanamo detainees
Crews search for missing helicopter in New Mexico
IT firms urge China to reconsider filter
| Technology
|
China, Taiwan to build undersea cable
Texas governor breaks collarbone in bike accident
Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word
| Technology
|
Redford honors consumer advocate Joan Claybrook
China confirms 12 more cases of swine flu
Australian PM warns against vigilante response
Chevron pumping station in Nigeria on fire: rebels
Justice wants publisher information on Google deal: report
| Technology
|
15 dead in Pakistan hotel blast, Taliban blamed
N.Korea blames S.Korea leader for activist suicide
Suspect: Recruiting center shootings justified
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
China state TV to revamp staid news broadcast
China plans new terracotta warrior dig
US plane with bathroom fire diverts to Halifax
Administration to issue new Wall Street pay curbs
Suspect may have contacted other pregnant women
Hollywood actors approve new contract
Actors union members approve studio contract
Natalie Cole to resume singing tour after surgery
China: consumer prices fourth straight month drop
China eyes 20 pct renewable energy by 2020: report
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Philippine exports plunge 35.2 pct in April: govt
Idol runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
| Entertainment
|
"Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
S.Korea planning bi-monthly treasury buyback-source
Film aims to expose dangers in U.S. food industry
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors approve new contract
China's consumer prices fall for 4th month
Two Tony-nominated Broadway shows to close
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors approve new labor contract
| Entertainment
|
Bee Gees singer lends voice to copyright fight
Japan wholesale prices drop, machinery orders down
Stars urged to deliver uplifting entertainment
| Entertainment
|
Blagojevich to mock himself in improv comedy show
Korea Hot Stocks
Futurama has new future on Comedy Central
| Entertainment
|
Bollywood takes pitch to casino enclave Macau
Actors union members approve studio contract offer
S.Korea govt bonds rebound before data, rate vote
"Futurama" has new future on Comedy Central
Seoul shares open higher led by technology issues
NZ terms of trade fall sharply in Q1
Tyson marries in Vegas 2 weeks after child's death
Stars urged to deliver uplifting entertainment
Kadhafi to pitch tent in Rome on landmark visit
Israeli woman mistakenly junks $1 million mattress
Monitor leader TPV aims low with cheap "nettop" PCs
Car bomb rips through south Iraq market, 33 killed
| International
|
Ramsay eats humble pie after mum scolds him
Iraq market bombing kills 19: hospital
Japan prepares robots to take over the kitchen
Army repels Taliban in NW Pakistan after hotel blast
| International
|
Car bomb kills 33 at southern Iraq market
IT firms urge China to reconsider filter
Iraq market bombing kills 19
Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word
For some Tehran youth, vote is a chance to party
North Korea faces new sanctions, may test missile
| International
|
Barak urges PM to accept Palestinian state principle
French submarine begins black box crash search
| International
|
U.S. troop build-up in Afghanistan on track: NATO
| International
|
Taliban chief, 16 militants killed: US military
Gaddafi in first visit to ex-colonial power Italy
| International
|
Abuse victims march in Dublin to demand justice
| International
|
Report: Climate change adding to migration
Russia military says needs 1,500 warheads: report
| International
|
Japan unveils new climate change emissions target
Ahmadinejad says election rivals use Hitler tactics
| International
|
Obama envoy says Palestinian statehood only option
| International
|
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Crews re-enter NC Slim Jim plant; 1 body recovered
Khmer Rouge defendant: Vietnamese prisoners killed
China swine flu toll tops 100
Sibling Rivalry? Sotomayor's brother proud of her
Kyrgyzstan: Uzbeks digging trenches along border
Monitor leader TPV aims low with cheap nettop PCs
| Technology
|
Bailout overseer: Bank repayments sign of progress
Microsoft, Adobe warn of critical security flaws
| Technology
|
Japan targets 8% emissions cut from 1990 levels
Japan prepares robots to take over the kitchen
| Technology
|
20 cat deaths leave Fla. communities worried
Malaysia confirms 2 more cases of swine flu
The Nation's Weather
Microsoft sees some Russian issues resolved soon
| Technology
|
Germany bans Thai ex-leader Thaksin
Russia military chief wants limited nuclear cuts
Taiwan president to run for party chairman
Ex-Ga. Tech student convicted of video terror plot
Update: Fiat Purchases Bulk Of Chrysler Assets, Forms Chrysler Group LLC
Pacific state Palau to take Uighur detainees
Sri Lanka expels Canadian lawmaker
U.S. Still Holding 11,000 Iraqi Prisoners
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Update: Supreme Court Won't Block Chrysler Bankruptcy, Fiat Sale
Pakistani investigators seek clues in hotel blast
FDA Warns Against Using Certain Hand Sanitizers
Florida Voters Favor Sink Over McCollum In First Gubernatorial Poll
Senate Hearings On Sotomayor Confirmation To Begin July 13
Deeds Easily Wins Virginia's Democratic Primary For Governor
Update: Two Dead Following Explosion, Roof Collapse At ConAgra Building; At Least 20 Workers Injured
Fourth H1N1 Death In California
Shuttle Endeavour (STS-127) Set For Saturday Liftoff
Negative data hits recovery hopes for Japan
S.Korea may tighten banks' capital requirements
Starwood to build Meridien hotel in Vietnam
Kazakhstan cuts key interest rate
China's consumer prices fall for 4th month
Taiwan dollar firms on US rate outlook, exporters
'Slumdog' child star gets new home in Mumbai
Mike Tyson weds in Las Vegas
| Entertainment
|
Acts flock to Edinburgh Fringe despite recession
| Entertainment
|
Springsteen, Phish reel in Bonnaroo crowds
launches research centre in Beijing
Horse racing in Iraq romps past the hard times
Sina.com 1Q profit falls 31 percent on ad slowdown
Pussycat Doll wants to sing Philippine anthem
Tornatore to open Venice film festival
| Entertainment
|
China's Beijing Autos mulling bid for Opel or Saab
Lauryn Hill cancels all European tour dates
Michael Jackson Demands The Children's Choir For His Concert Should Know Sign Language
Not Useful: Certain Hand Sanitizers Found To Contain High Levels Of Disease-Causing Bacteria
Tilda Swinton Wants To Live In A Glass Box
Genius British Tot Scores 160 In IQ Test
British Hacker Cites Autism To Block Extradition To U.S.
British Girl Allergic To 21st Century
Courtney Love Fled Hotel After She Trashed Room With Pink Dye
British Boy Finds Extra Lucky Seven-Leaf Clover
Israeli Defense Force Creates Robot Snake To Use On Battlefield
Robbers Steal $14 Million Picasso Sketchbook From Paris Museum
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights