Friction between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface causes a 20% reduction in the wind at the surface of the Earth.[10] Surface roughness also leads to significant variation of wind speeds. Over land, winds maximize at hill or mountain crests, while sheltering leads to lower wind speeds in valleys and lee slopes.[11] Compared to over water, maximum sustained winds over land average 8% lower.[12] More specifically, over a city or rough terrain, the wind gradient effect could cause a reduction of 40% to 50% of the geostrophic wind speed aloft; while over open water or ice, the reduction is between 10% and 30%.[8][13][14]
Steve is taking his family on a couple of outings soon. He wants to fly kites one day, then go on a nice picnic in a nice and non windy area the next. His wife wants to go to Hinton Beach one of the days, and his daughter wants to see Till's Valley an another of the days.
Will Hinton Beach be better or worse for flying kites than Till's Valley?