Complex blowout that wind flow was measured and simulated over. Each point denotes the location of a 3D ultrasonic anemometer
It is sometimes perceived that patterns of wind direction over dunes, including zones of flow reversal and acceleration, change with wind speed. A recent paper by Smyth et al., 2013 published in Aeolian Research found that that patterns of flow steering remained constant even during hurricane force winds.
Measured wind direction at 15 points
Measurements made by 15 ultrasonic anemometers of wind flow at 1 m above the surface at 15 locations in a complex blowout during from fresh breeze to strong gale found that wind flow steering remained remarkably constant. A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was then used to simulate flow during hurricane force winds. Wind direction at the 15 points during hurricane force winds also did not vary from those at lower incident velocities.
Simulated wind direction in a blowout during fresh breeze to hurricane force winds
Smyth, T.A.G., D.W.T., Jackson, J.A.G. Cooper (2013), Three dimensional airflow patterns within a coastal blowout during fresh breeze to hurricane force winds, Aeolian Research, 9, 111 - 123