What is wind engineering?
On 7 November 1940, brisk winds of 30 - 35 mph caused the structure of the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, to vibrate so excessively, the entire structure collapsed into the water. And “Galloping Gertie,” as the span was dubbed, entered the engineering Hall of Shame. But it also gave impetus to a field that could be called wind engineering. Meteorologists must work with structural and civil engineers when high-rise buildings, sports stadiums, bridges, and other large structures are designed and built. The failure to properly account for the characteristics of the wind in a given area can be a costly mistake. Also, the “wind proofing” of even ordinary homes can potentially save billions of dollars when the next major hurricane slams ashore.
This computer simulation of the dispersion by winds of hypothetical radioactive pollutants released from a nuclear power plant was created for emergency response planning and evacuation studies.
Meteorologists can apply their skills to the operation of nuclear generating stations such as this one on the Lake Michigan shoreline.