Understanding the Characteristics of Vertical Structures for Wind Speed Observations via Wind-LIDAR on Jeju Island

Abstract

Wind observations at multiple levels (40–200 m) have been conducted over a five-year time period (2016–2020) on Jeju Island of South Korea. This study aims to understand the vertical and temporal characteristics of the lower atmosphere. Jeju Island is a region located at mid-latitude and is affected by seasonal wind. The maximum wind speed occurs in the relatively lower altitudes during daytime and is delayed in the relatively higher altitude after sunset in a diurnal cycle. In the summer season, the altitudes appear earlier than in other seasons via the dominant solar radiation effect during daytime, and the altitude after sunset increases up to 160 m. However, the maximum wind speed in the winter season occurs irregularly among altitudes, and it is lower than that in the summer season. This can be attributed to the increase in the mean wind speed in the diurnal cycle caused by the strong northwestern wind in the winter season. These results imply that the relationship between near-surface and higher altitudes is primarily affected by solar radiation and seasonal winds. These results are expected to contribute to site selection criteria for wind farms.