New measuring devices provide additional information on the Haselgraben wind

Since 1979, the measuring hut of the state of Upper Austria has been reliably performing its services between the access roads to the Mühlkreisautobahn at the northern end of the Voestbrücke in Linz. It provides data on fine dust pollution and wind speed near the ground, specifically in the sphere of influence of a weather phenomenon that is important for Linz: the Haselgraben wind.

The measuring house has now received an upgrade that is intended to provide new insights into the important air flow. Because the Haselgraben wind brings cold air into the city at night, which is becoming increasingly important in view of the rising temperatures in the summer months. The wind also reduces fine dust pollution.

In cooperation with the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG), the state of Upper Austria set up two new devices that will collect further data by May. A “wind lidar” uses laser technology to measure wind speed and direction up to 200 meters above the ground. A “ceilometer” can measure the fine dust pollution in the air – depending on the intensity of the air pollution at an altitude of up to 14 kilometers.

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wind in the hazel ditch

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Green belt as a window to the city

The measurements are already being analyzed on an ongoing basis. “We have seen, for example, that the Haselgraben wind glides across the area when the temperatures are cooler,” says meteorologist Kathrin Baumann-Stanzer from ZAMG. “A layer of cool air forms that the wind cannot penetrate. Then it can even reach a measuring station on the Voest site.” Stefan Oitzl, the state’s air quality expert, sees the importance of the Haselgraben wind for the urban climate as confirmed: “It is therefore important to design future building projects in the city in such a way that the air quality important wind currents will also be maintained in the years to come.”

The Linz climate councilor Eva Schobesberger also warns that the city’s climatic resources should be used carefully. “We have to protect the areas where fresh and cold air is produced so that our city will remain worth living in in the future,” says the Greens politician. She warns against blocking the Haselgraben. “It would be like closing a window on the city.”

“All current data confirm the warnings of science and show that we have to prepare for major climatic changes now,” says Climate Councilor Stefan Kaineder (Greens). He calls for a forward-looking planning policy: “It is important to maintain and further promote green belts near the city.” (vaba)

Stefan Oitzl, air quality expert
State of Upper Austria