Analysis of wind characteristics in the Maltese archipelago

Abstract

The Maltese Islands enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, humid summers and cooler winters. The size of the islands as well as their location between Europe and the African continent makes them susceptible to wind currents induced by these comparatively huge land masses as well as to small scale localised effects induced by the islands themselves. The latter effects would be more marked in generally undisturbed conditions which enhance the formation of breezes. The wind data evaluated in this paper was gathered at Luqa International Airport (Lat. 35°51.5'N, Long. 14°28.5'E). Due to its long time frame (1947 to date), this database is appropriate for the evaluation of wind parameters on a long-term basis. Characteristics such as the diurnal trends, as well as parameters relevant to power generation will be discussed and illustrated.