Terms of Use

This tool allows for the exploration of wind resource data from the VR-CESM model. Annual and seasonal mean wind speed and wind shear are provided for two raw modelled heights (Z1, Z2) and one interpolated height (ZHUB), calculated from the raw modelled data. The tool displays these variables across various temporal means (annual & seasonal) for two timeslices. The Historical timeslice, shown on the left of the slider, represents the period 1990–2020, while the Future timeslice, shown on the right of the slider, represents the period 2080–2110 under the RCP8.5 scenario.

VR-CESM simulations were conducted by Morris et al. (2023, 2024) and Morris & Kushner (2025). Simulations were regridded by Lucas Prates.

The tool allows you to view mean wind speed at a given height above ground level (AGL) and a chosen temporal mean. As well as mean wind shear, which describes the change in wind speed between two heights. Wind shear means are available between Z1 (~59.8 m AGL) and Z2 (~192.9 m AGL) only. Wind speed and shear parameters can be viewed independently or combined, and set to highlight areas that meet a user-defined threshold. As such, an idea of the buildable area for a specific model of wind turbine can be explored, based on defined operational parameters, and how this area will change in the long-term future according to the VR-CESM model, and an RCP8.5 scenario.

Data is provided on an as-is basis, and is not intended to replace on-site wind resource assessment. The tool is intended for research and educational purposes, and may be used to inform policy decisions surrounding areas slotted for future wind development to ensure resilient accessory infrastruture development.

Mapping tool was created by Alex Torrealba, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Toronto. This work was supervised by Dr. Debra Wunch, and supported by funding from the C. David Naylor University Fellowship, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. It is explicitly forbidden to use this data for the purposes of a structure-level risk analysis, or to inform insurance rates and/or electricity pricing.

The involved authors disclaim any legal duty based upon warranty, reliance or any other theory to any third party, and will not be liable to such third party for any damages or losses of any kind that may result.

Contact: for questions about this project, the underlying data, or to report an issue with the tool, contact Alex Torrealba at a.torrealba@mail.utoronto.ca. To view the thesis associated with this project, please visit LINK_NOT_YET_PUBLIC.