Where the wind blows

Creekside Science has been working with the Presidio Trust on a number of projects over the years. One current project will provide initial calibration of a local wind model, tied to existing wind readings on the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. The model will estimate winds at particular sites in the Presidio based on velocity (speed and direction) data from the anemometer on the bridge. The key part of the model is a calibration of wind attenuation with directional canopy cover from hemispherical photographs. The effect of wind funneling topography will also be investigated in open areas facing the ocean.

The model will inform the impacts of tree removal in dune areas (will tree removal alter sand movement?) and on remaining forest edges (will there be increased risk of blowdown?). Furthermore, the model will help determine where and how wind may affect potential monarch overwintering sites.