Scientists to test Wellington wind

A plane touches down at Wellington Airport in strong winds. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A team of scientists are about to test what makes Wellington so windy and how an area's geography affects the level of wind.

The team, which includes scientists from the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (Niwa) and GNS Science, will measure wind speeds in Belmont Regional Park, near Wellington, with the aim of finding out how the area's geography increases wind speed.

Data gained from the tests could help with the placement of wind turbines and would be used to see if there should be tougher building codes for areas with geography conducive to wind based on "topographic multipliers".

The project, including evaluation of the wind data, is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

- NZPA