John Steck wrote:
I wonder what the environmental impact would be to tap it.
Interesting point. I doubt it would be significant. Total wind power equals the total solar energy that intercepts earth, and that is immense compared to human energy consumption.
Wind farms of that magnitude surely would have some net-effect on the low altitude weather patterns of the region they are located and the regions down wind of them.... the closest analogy I can think of is hydroelectric damming.
Probably the closest similar physical effect would be the "heat islands" caused by urban areas, and their effect on the weather.
Whatever the effect, I am sure it would not be as bad as the effect of coal-fired power generation and a billion automobiles burning gasoline.
- Jed
