VARIATIONS OF MEAN ANNUAL WIND SPEED OVER SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN WITH COORDINATES AND ELEVATIONS

Abstract

Mean annual wind speed for Sudan and South Sudan  for the period 1981- 2010 was obtained as normal data for 19 stations, and analyzed for correlations between  wind speed on the one hand and latitudes, longitudes and elevations on the other hand. The data was analyzed using Excel statistical package. Wind speed increased on average with increase in latitudes at a rate of about 0.19 meters per second per degree  showing a significant linear correlation (P= 0.007). Analysis for the effect of longitudes showed positive mild effects on wind speed, (P=0.24). Altitudes on the other hand showed a rather stronger linkage with mean annual wind speed compared to longitudes and the correlation was significant at P=0.04 where the wind speed   decreased for the 19 stations at a rate of about 0.003 meter per second per meter above sea level. The effects of the combination of latitudes and longitudes, latitudes and altitudes, longitudes and altitudes and the three parameters together on mean annual wind speed showed, generally, stronger correlations, higher significances and lower standard errors compared to the single parameters. Over all, four equations were recommended for prediction of the mean annual wind speed in areas where no measurements are available.

 

Key Words: Correlation, Latitude, Longitude, Wind speed, Sudan

DOI: https://ejesm.org/doi/v11i1.1

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