Analysis of Typhoon-Induced Wind Fields in Ports of the Central and Northern Taiwan Strait

Abstract

The winds of a typhoon are a significant meteorological hazard with substantial implications for maritime transportation and are of paramount importance. Studying wind field characteristics and establishing effective algorithms for wind correction are of significant practical and societal importance within the realm of cargo transport operations at ports and terminals, thereby guaranteeing the sustainable development of port shipping. This study investigates the influence of typhoon winds on ports in the central to northern areas of the Taiwan Strait, considering different typhoon paths, by utilizing ground automatic station observations and numerical model forecasts. Furthermore, this research examines deviations in wind field forecasts generated by the ECMWF numerical model and the subsequent correction of surface wind patterns. The results indicate that: (1) maximum wind speeds during typhoons following various paths are most notable in the proximity of coastal islands near Putian, Fujian province, predominantly due to the topographical effects of the strait. (2) Wind speeds at individual stations are contingent on the typhoon’s trajectory, while the pressure difference could serve as a reliable indicator of typhoon intensity and onset timing. (3) Following polynomial fitting correction, the forecast deviations are reduced by 37% for the u component and 40% for the v component. The score for the u component increases notably from 41.60 to 63.17 after correction, representing an improvement of 51.85%, while the v component score rises significantly from 29.33 to 48.89, showing an enhancement of 66.70%. This research has implications for future forecasts of typhoon winds that impact ports in the central and northern sections of the Taiwan Strait, meeting the meteorological service needs of cargo ships entering the port and better serving the sustainable development of the local economy and society.