35m estimates vs sea-level

[kranki]

I was looking at the GFDL model this morning for Invest 94L and the GFDL model posted stated that the max estimated winds were 60kts at 35m. Why 35m and not sea-level? Thanks for your help in advance. I admit that I am pretty ignorant of a lot of this, only experienced it several times.

[senorpepr]

I was looking at the GFDL model this morning for Invest 94L and the GFDL model posted stated that the max estimated winds were 60kts at 35m. Why 35m and not sea-level? Thanks for your help in advance. I admit that I am pretty ignorant of a lot of this, only experienced it several times.

35m winds is a good indication of the storm's strength without influences of friction along the surface and mixing to the surface.

Basicially... 35m winds is another tool to help estimate the strength of the storm without being bias from the effects along the surface.

[kranki]

Thank you again for your reply! I had not thought about that.

[Ptarmigan]

Wind speed at sea level to be weaker. Wind tends to be stronger when go up. Wind is affected by ground friction. Also, wind tends to be stronger over water, especially ocean.