A comparison of three methods for predicting wind speeds in complex forested terrain

Abstract

The comparative performance of the WASP and MS-Micro/3 airflow models and of the DAMS scoring system in calculating the wind climate in complex forested terrain has been examined. An analysis was carried out of predicted and observed wind speeds collected over 18 months at six monitoring sites in mountainous country in the Cowal Peninsula, western Scotland. Both airflow models and the DAMS system produced variable results: the airflow models were most accurate on exposed hill tops whereas DAMS tended to be more accurate in valleys and lower slopes. Taken as a whole this study showed that the DAMS scoring system performed as well as the other airflow models considered.