Predicting the surface wind characteristics of southern Wyoming from remote sensing and eolian geomorphology. Final report

Eolian geomorphological features can be used to successfully locate areas of high-wind energy because eolian features can be easily and economically identified and mapped from color composite LANDSAT imagery. In this study LANDSAT image interpretations were correlated with meteorological data to show that active eolian features indicate a windy climate. Eolian features are most abundant in areas of highest winds. The elongate forms of dunes, dune fields, playas, and sediment plumes indicate dominant direction, persistence, and strength of windflow in a given area. Shape of dunes, playas, and dune fields can indicate confluence, difluence, and other patterns of windflow. Spacings and alignments of eolian features reflect local windflow patterns, such as turbulence and gravity waves, which can be critical to siting and operating wind-driven power generators. These determinations are also critical to the planning of other human activities in high-wind areas. Both depositional and erosional eolian landforms proved useful in identifying regional and local wind patterns. To demonstrate the interpretation of eolian features for wind-energy assessments, a map was compiled for a large portion of southern Wyoming. Information was interpreted from LANDSAT imagery and aerial photographs. The interpretations were confirmed by comparison with wind measurements.