MadSci Network: Earth Sciences
Query:

Re: Wind shifts

Area: Earth Sciences
Posted By: clay harris, faculty,Middle Tennessee State University
Date: Thu Jun 12 19:27:53 1997
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 864578279.Es
Message:

MadSci Network: Earth Sciences
Query:

Dear Neil:

Sorry that it has taken so long for me to respond to your question.

I was away on vacation for a while and then tried to research your question for the past week or so. Unfortunately, I have not met with success.

I have two meteorology texts that specifically cover marine weather and sailing. Neither mentioned progressive and oscillating wind systems. I also contacted several friends who sail but they had no advice on the subject.

I am familiar with the concept but concerning recognizing one vs. the other, I know of no rules-of-thumb or weather signs for distinguishing them.

The difference between them is to some degree a question of time. For example, a land-sea breeze system is progressive over a 12 hour period, but over a 24 hour period it oscillates. This is probably true of many winds along the coast: over a short time period they appear progressive; if you wait long enough though the wind will reverse itself and will then be oscillatory.

So in a sense, for many winds, whether they are progressive or oscillating depends on the time interval for which you observe them.

I wish that I could be of more help.

Clay Harris
Dept. of Geography/Geology
Middle TN State University
cdharris@frank.mtsu.edu


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