High Resolution Wind Direction and Speed Information for Support of Fire Operations

摘要: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology has been used to model wind speed and direction in mountainous terrain at a relatively high resolution compared other readily available technologies. The process termed “gridded wind” is not forecast, but rather represents method for calculating the influence of on general flows. Gridded simulations are typically produced resolutions 100 m using laptop computers. Resolution limited only by elevation data computer memory. Initial comparisons between simulated winds measured average speeds directions specific locations indicate excellent agreement. Results suggest that as upper air increases relative magnitude uncertainty decreases. modeled generally seem be most accurate simulation scenarios associated with large scale strong pressure differences such cold front passage, Foehn (Santa Ana), onshore/offshore winds. This information proven useful identifying areas and/or conditions around fire perimeter may produce intensity spread rates where spotting might occur. Currently output from can summarized form shaded relief map vectors overlaid image, GIS shape files, custom files utilized FARSITE growth program. accuracy predictions improved few cases gridded have used.