Aerodynamic roughness length

Aerodynamic roughness length is a theoretical height required to characterize the effect of surface roughness on wind profiles. It is defined as the height at which the extrapolated logarithmic wind profile reaches zero wind speed. Although it must be determined empirically from observed wind profiles, successful attempts have been made to relate it to physical characteristics of the surface (American Meteorological Society, 2019).

Sources

American Meteorological Society. 2019. “Aerodynamic Roughness Length.” Glossary of Meteorology. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Aerodynamic_roughness_length.