University of Hawaii Scientists Document Decreased Frequency of Hawaii's Northeast Tradewinds
University of Hawaii Scientists Document Decreased Frequency of Hawaii's Northeast Tradewinds
Saturday, October 20th, 2012
Scientists at UH Manoa have observed a decrease in the frequency of northeast tradewinds and an increase in eastern tradewinds over the past nearly four decades, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research.
For example, northeast tradewind days, which occurred 291 days per year 37 years ago at the Honolulu International Airport, now only occur 210 days per year.
Analyzing 37 years of wind speed and direction, and sea level pressure data from land-based weather stations, buoys and reanalysis data, were Jessica Garza, a Meteorology Graduate Assistant at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at UH Manoa; Pao-Shin Chu, Meteorology Professor and Head of the Hawaii State Climate Office; and Chase Norton and Thomas Schroeder.
Persistent northeast tradewinds are important to the Hawaiian Islands since they affect wave height, cloud formation, and precipitation over specific areas of the region. When trades fail to develop, the air can become dormant, and unpleasant weather can develop.
More:
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-scientists-document-decreased-frequency-of-hawaiis-northeast-tradewinds/123