Wind Shadow

From WindsportAtlanta.com: Wiki

The reduction in wind speed from a 20 m object. Vertical scale shows height off ground for wind. Horizontal shows distance from object.
Seeing the visible effects of wind turbines in fog
Fog reveals downwind turbulence from wind turbines
Downwind turbulence can extend a substantial distance
Downwind turbulence and lee waves caused by peaks of the South Sandwich Islands

The effect of an object upwind obstructing or creating turbulence in the wind flow.

Examples include:

  • Other sail craft
  • Other boats
  • Shoreline objects including trees and buildings
  • Geographical features such as hills or mountains
  • Swell and waves in the water. While this might also be included as surface friction, the effect, nonetheless, is the same. For example, this makes it more difficult to punch through a surf zone as the waves disturb and block the wind, reducing your power at times when you need it most. As well, it can make waterstarting in a large swell more difficult as the wind is blocked or reduced when you are in a trough.

As a rule of thumb, effects of local, upwind objects can extend a distance of ten to fifteen times the height of the obstruction.

Also see: Fetch