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Weather forecast models show wind speeds that are accurate for inland mountain peaks?

User PieBie
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Final answer:

To calculate the force due to the Bernoulli effect on a 220 m² roof in Boulder, Colorado with winds at 45.0 m/s, we use Bernoulli's equation with considerations for turbulence. Weather forecasting models aid prediction of wind speeds but may face challenges with complex terrains such as mountain peaks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Calculating the Bernoulli Effect on a Roof

To calculate the force due to the Bernoulli effect on a roof with an area of 220 m² in Boulder, Colorado, we can use Bernoulli's equation, which relates pressure changes in a fluid to changes in velocity. Since high wind speeds represent a decrease in pressure, we can estimate the force on the roof when winds reach 45.0 m/s, a speed that is common when the jet stream descends. The typical air density in Boulder is 1.14 kg/m³, and the atmospheric pressure is 8.89 × 10⁴ N/m². Although Bernoulli's principle assumes laminar flow and we would be making an approximation due to significant turbulence, we can still make a rough calculation of the force on the roof by considering the differences in pressure created by the wind over the roof's surface.

The real-time availability of wind patterns and weather forecasting models such as those provided by the U.S. National Weather Service help in predicting these wind speeds and determining their potential impact. Moreover, the development and reliability of wind as a resource, as seen in the wind capacity factors, contribute to our understanding of the dynamic nature of wind patterns. This knowledge is important when considering the design of structures to withstand winds, like in the case of the roofs in Boulder, Colorado.

The growing reliability and accuracy of weather forecasting models continue to improve our ability to predict wind speeds, though modeling for areas like high inland mountain peaks may still present challenges due to complex terrain and turbulent conditions.

User Ytsen De Boer
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