Review on Near-Surface Meteorological Variations Induced by Wind Turbines

Abstract. This review synthesizes more than two decades of research on near-surface meteorological variations induced by wind turbines and wind farms, combining evidence from field measurement campaigns, satellite observations, mesoscale and microscale simulations. Across these different approaches, the literature shows that wind turbines influence the atmospheric boundary layer through blockage effects, momentum extraction, turbulence generation, and rotor-induced vertical motions. Near-surface meteorological responses are strongly controlled by atmospheric stability. Under stable nighttime conditions, wind turbines generally induce near-surface warming, reduced relative humidity, modifications of turbulence characteristics, and changes in sensible and latent heat fluxes. In contrast, effects during unstable daytime conditions are typically weaker and may even exhibit slight cooling. Through their influence on surface moisture and turbulent exchanges, wind turbines can also enhance evaporation. These microclimatic modifications may subsequently have an impact on ecosystems, with some studies reporting impacts on vegetation activity and crop productivity. However, the magnitude and even the sign of these responses remain highly variable across sites. Wind farm size, layout, topography, atmospheric conditions and surface characteristics further modulate the spatial extent and intensity of the observed effects through cumulative wake interactions and flow redistribution processes. Overall, the meteorological perturbations induced by wind turbines are generally small relative to the natural variability of the atmospheric boundary layer, although locally significant effects can occur under favorable atmospheric conditions. Their persistence, cumulative effects within large wind farms, and continued growth in turbine size and installed capacity warrant further observational and modeling efforts to improve understanding of turbine-atmosphere-surface interactions.