Results Of Wind Field Project MISTRAL AndApplication For Planning And Emergency Response

During 1991-92, 50 meteorological stations measured wind, temperature and humidity in a 1200 km2 investigation area around Basel, where many side valleys and mountain ridges form a complex orography. The data set was analysed for turbulence characteristics and wind field classes, that can be continuously monitored by a small number of "representative" on-line stations. The results show that it is possible to assign every observed wind field (one-hour averages) to one of 12 classes and that every class can be defined by only a few "representative" stations. Implementation of the presented classification into emergency planning would considerably improve emergency response during inadvertent releases of toxic gases. Further, it would improve regional planning where air pollution aspects are concerned.