AIR DENSITY

The amount of energy stored in the wind is proportional to the wind's kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of a moving object is dependent on the object's mass (weight), thus the kinetic energy of wind is dependent on its density. The denser the air the more energy the wind contains and visa versa. Air density is dependent on two variables: temperature and altitude. As temperature falls, air molecules condense, increasing air density. Changes in altitude results in the change of atmospheric pressure. With increased altitude, confining atmospheric pressures are reduced, lowering air density. The relatively low altitude (800 m) and cold temperatures of the Snow Bowl produce a favorable air density for wind energy production.