Characterizing wind fields at multiple temporal scales: A case study of the adjacent sea area of Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

Abstract

Temporal characteristics and evolutionary patterns of offshore wind fields directly affect the stability and safety of coastal engineering and structures. In this research, ECMWF-ERA5 reanalysis wind field data were used to analyze the wind field characteristics in the adjacent sea area of Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) at multiple temporal scales. It can provide scientific basis for marine equipment construction and coastal engineering management in the GBA. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate characteristics of winds at multiple temporal scale, in combination with Mann–Kendall (MK) and Pettitt test methods to judge the abrupt change characteristics of the wind field climate state over a long period. Results show that during the past 42 years, in the adjacent sea area of GBA, the usual wind direction is northeast throughout the year. The wind speed has a slow downward trend year by year. However, there is no abrupt change. The maximum wind speed in winter is controlled by the northeast monsoon, and the minimum wind speed in summer is related to the activity of subtropical high pressure. Moreover, in terms of transition time, the wind transition from summer to winter is shorter than that from winter to summer.