Computations from Elliptical Wind Distribution Statistics

Abstract

A knowledge of winds and their distribution may be used to our advantage, for winds play an important part in all phases of our life. Winds are three dimensional but for most purposes they are considered only in their two dimensional from along horizontal surfaces. Although exceptional are noted, winds in the free atmosphere may be considered to be homogeneous and normally distributed. They may be treated statistically. This requires the evaluation of the integral of the elliptical bivariate normal distribution over offset circles or polygons. Various other problems in the fields of physical science also require the same treatment. Continued effort on the part of many individuals and organizations has resulted in the preparation of tabular material which facilitates the required evaluation of the integral. The estimation of the frequency of winds from any given point, sector or area is now possible with the use of estimates of the statistical parameters of a wind distribution. The procedures discussed are useful particularly in regions for which original wind data are not available but where estimates of statistical parameters can he obtained.