Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2025-61
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2025-61
05 May 2025
 | 05 May 2025
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal WES.

The Influence of Local Winds on Wind Power Characteristics in a High Arctic Valley

Matthias Henkies, Knut Vilhelm Høyland, Aleksey Shestov, and Anna Sjöblom

Abstract. Wind power in the High Arctic is little developed, and understanding of the local wind conditions is needed. Therefore, the average wind characteristics in the Svalbard valley Adventdalen are investigated using primarily observations from wind profilers and weather stations. Low-level jets (LLJs) are frequent in calm synoptic conditions because the LLJs are, to a large degree, driven by local thermal gradients. Moreover, the LLJs increase the wind speed at low levels. The average observational wind profile has a wind speed maximum around the height of 80 m to 100 m and the wind power density (WPD) a maximum around 120 m to 140 m. This is poorly represented by numerical models and also differs from wind speed profiles from flat locations where the wind speed and WPD typically increase with height. The presence of valley winds is further responsible for a decreased speed variability at low levels, which leads to shortened periods with persistent little wind compared to higher elevated locations. The wind characteristics in Adventdalen advocate for the consideration of wind power in Arctic valleys.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Share
Matthias Henkies, Knut Vilhelm Høyland, Aleksey Shestov, and Anna Sjöblom

Status: open (until 02 Jun 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
Matthias Henkies, Knut Vilhelm Høyland, Aleksey Shestov, and Anna Sjöblom
Matthias Henkies, Knut Vilhelm Høyland, Aleksey Shestov, and Anna Sjöblom
Metrics will be available soon.
Latest update: 05 May 2025
Download
Short summary
For wind energy in the Arctic, a better understanding of wind characteristics is necessary. Observations from a valley in Svalbard show that local, thermally driven valley winds are frequent. They increase the average wind speed and reduce the wind variability in this valley, which is not reproduced well by common numerical model products. The wind characteristics are advantageous for wind power in valleys.
Share
Altmetrics