A model-based study of the wind regime over Corinthian Gulf in Greece

Abstract

Abstract. The Corinthian Gulf is a narrow sea-level passage surrounded by a steep complex topography that consists of high mountains, elevated and sea-level gaps/straits. The complex terrain is expected to affect the wind flow in the area that often experiences high winds with important consequences on the commercial and recreational activities over the Gulf maritime area. For that reason, a model-based study of the wind regime over the Corinthian Gulf has been built, as observational data over the area are recent and spatially sparse. The analysis of 5yr data from MM5 model reveals that the wind regime of the gulf is greatly influenced by the topography. Easterly winds occur more frequently and are stronger at the maritime area in the western edge of the gulf with a frequency of occurrence of the order of 70%. Moreover, the most intense wind events at this area occur during the winter season (December, January, and February). Finally the paper also provides a discussion on the synoptic patterns, which lead to the strongest wind events in the studied area.