Climatologies of mean wind in the Tibetan Plateau as revealed from a state-of-the-art global atmospheric reanalysis
Yongbin Li
State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co., Ltd
Fangyong Xiao
State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co., Ltd
Chao Liu
Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co., Ltd
Gui La
Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co., Ltd
Ciren Pingcuo
State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co., Ltd
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/pest.v6i4.8448
Keywords: Tibetan Plateau; Mean wind speed; ERA5 reanalysis
Abstract
This study investigates the mean wind speed characteristics over the Tibetan Plateau using ERA5 reanalysis data from 2014 to 2023. The analysis reveals significant spatial and seasonal variability in wind speeds, driven by the interaction of large-scale atmospheric circulations, particularly the westerly jet stream and the Asian summer monsoon, with the plateau’s complex topography. The highest mean wind speeds, exceeding 4.5 m/s, are observed in the northern and central plateau, where the westerlies dominate, especially during the winter and early spring. In contrast, the southern and southwestern regions, shielded by the Himalayan range, experience much lower wind speeds, typically below 2.0 m/s, largely due to the monsoon’s influence. These seasonal variations highlight the importance of understanding wind dynamics for renewable energy development and regional climate modeling. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing wind power generation and improving climate simulations in this key region.
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