3.2 Meteorological Conditions
20 ~--~-.---r--~--.---.---.--''--.---r--,,--'
15
.=-' 10
'm 5
E
:;; 15
Q) 10
~ 5
(f)
-g 15
. ~ 10
5
o ~ __ ~~~ __ +-~~L-+-~+-_ _ +-__ +-__ ~ __ ~L-+-~
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
c.o
en
en
23
}'ig. 3.2.6 Wind speed in the years of observation at the station of Norderney, data courtesy of
the DWD
corresponding to a maximal wind speed of 7 (moderate gale). Strong winds were
mainly recorded in the first months of the year, especially in January 1994 and
1995. In 1996, the first months were characterized by a low to moderate breeze,
which normally occurred during summer months. However, no exceptionally low
wind speed was measured in summer 1996.
The frequency of strong wind events, which are defined as events with wind
force higher than 6, and the sea level rise, are both considered as indicators for
climate change. Looking at these parameters in the German Bight over the last 30
years, a strong increase can be observed in the last 10 years. The number of wind
events with a duration of several days increased during this period also (Svendsen
1991; Aagaard et al. 1995). A similar increase was observed in the significant
wave-height in the North Atlantic (Bacon & Carter 1991; Bouws et al. 1996).
Nevertheless, some authors doubt the increase of strong wind events (Schmidt &
von Storch 1993, Kaas et al. 1996). They argue that this apparent increase lies
within the range of natural variability and that many of the measurements are
based on small time series only.
Wind direction
Frequently changing wind directions are typical for the East Frisian coast
(Fig. 3.2.7). In 1994, southwesterly winds were dominant. In May and June the
wind turned to NEINW. Except for some short periods, winds from the SE and SW
predominated until the end of the year.
In the beginning of 1995 winds from NW and SW prevailed. In summer the
winds often changed direction. In autumn and winter 1995 the wind came from SE
and NE. During the first months of 1996 easterly winds occurred for a long period,
only interrupted by few days with southwesterly wind. The summer was characterized by NW winds. which later turned to NE.
20 ~--~-.---r--~--.---.---.--''--.---r--,,--'
15
.=-' 10
'm 5
E
:;; 15
Q) 10
~ 5
(f)
-g 15
. ~ 10
5
o ~ __ ~~~ __ +-~~L-+-~+-_ _ +-__ +-__ ~ __ ~L-+-~
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
c.o
en
en
23
}'ig. 3.2.6 Wind speed in the years of observation at the station of Norderney, data courtesy of
the DWD
corresponding to a maximal wind speed of 7 (moderate gale). Strong winds were
mainly recorded in the first months of the year, especially in January 1994 and
1995. In 1996, the first months were characterized by a low to moderate breeze,
which normally occurred during summer months. However, no exceptionally low
wind speed was measured in summer 1996.
The frequency of strong wind events, which are defined as events with wind
force higher than 6, and the sea level rise, are both considered as indicators for
climate change. Looking at these parameters in the German Bight over the last 30
years, a strong increase can be observed in the last 10 years. The number of wind
events with a duration of several days increased during this period also (Svendsen
1991; Aagaard et al. 1995). A similar increase was observed in the significant
wave-height in the North Atlantic (Bacon & Carter 1991; Bouws et al. 1996).
Nevertheless, some authors doubt the increase of strong wind events (Schmidt &
von Storch 1993, Kaas et al. 1996). They argue that this apparent increase lies
within the range of natural variability and that many of the measurements are
based on small time series only.
Wind direction
Frequently changing wind directions are typical for the East Frisian coast
(Fig. 3.2.7). In 1994, southwesterly winds were dominant. In May and June the
wind turned to NEINW. Except for some short periods, winds from the SE and SW
predominated until the end of the year.
In the beginning of 1995 winds from NW and SW prevailed. In summer the
winds often changed direction. In autumn and winter 1995 the wind came from SE
and NE. During the first months of 1996 easterly winds occurred for a long period,
only interrupted by few days with southwesterly wind. The summer was characterized by NW winds. which later turned to NE.