Overview of Low-Level Wind Shear Characteristics over Chinese Mainland

Abstract

The characteristics of low-level wind shear (LLWS) over the Chinese mainland were investigated using reports from pilots, air traffic controllers and the number of arriving/departing flights from 2016 to 2020. A preliminary analysis of the impact of the flights on the LLWS reports was carried out, and the cause of LLWS was also investigated. LLWS reports from most airports indicate that LLWS is most likely to occur within 600 m AGL with a higher density below 300 m, but with some exceptions, as wind shear is reported at higher altitudes at some airports. Airports with a high frequency of LLWS reports are almost all located in or around regions with complex topography and in regions with prevailing weather conditions favorable to LLWS. The variation in overall LLWS reports displays a steady increase from 2016 to 2019 and a decrease from 2019 to 2020, consistent with the trend in the number of flights, but with no evidently similar trends for individual airports. Seasonal variations in LLWS reports are observed and demonstrate no notable impact caused by the number of flights, implying that the main cause is the monthly variation of weather conditions. Diurnal variation is also evident and largely associated with the variation in number of flights during the busy period in addition to weather conditions, such as common strong winds, in the afternoon.