Wind speeds are generally lower in valleys than on hilltops
Is it true that wind speeds are generally lower in valleys than on hilltops?
Yes. Wind speeds are generally lower in valleys compared to hilltops due to topographic shielding and the phenomenon of wind speed-up over ridges.
Verdict: SUPPORTED · 2 sources for, 0 against · Last checked
The retrieved papers include studies (such as [0] and [3]) that explicitly contrast wind behavior in complex terrain, highlighting wind speed-up over ridges and lower wind speeds or sheltered flows in valleys. No papers contradict this general topographical rule.
Get citation
Wagenbrenner, N., Forthofer, J., Lamb, B., Shannon, K., & Butler, B. (2016). Downscaling surface wind predictions from numerical weather prediction models in complex terrain with WindNinja. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.5194/ACP-16-5229-2016
See more details
Get citation
Oqaily, D. A., Giani, P., & Crippa, P. (2025). Evaluating WRF Multiscale Wind Simulations in Complex Terrain: Insights From the Perdigão Field Campaign. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JD044055
What does the evidence say?
The retrieved papers include studies (such as [0] and [3]) that explicitly contrast wind behavior in complex terrain, highlighting wind speed-up over ridges and lower wind speeds or sheltered flows in valleys. No papers contradict this general topographical rule.
Receipt History
Challenge the receipt
Citation formatting by citeproc-js (Frank Bennett) and the Citation Style Language project. Source and licenses.
Terms · Privacy · How verdicts work