Very large offshore wind farm clusters could increase rain over the sea while reducing rain in nearby coastal regions. Turbines slow wind and stir the lower atmosphere, which can change how moist air rises, cools and moves toward land. The work does not argue against offshore wind, but it suggests future energy planning should consider regional weather effects. Offshore wind farms do more than turn moving air into electricity. When built in large clusters, they can also slow the wind, stir the lower atmosphere and change where moisture falls as rain. The simulations covered weather data from 2008 to 2017. By analyzing a full decade, the researchers could study average atmospheric patterns across many weather conditions, rather than relying on one unusual year. The team included existing offshore wind farm areas and potential future development zones. It also considered how turbines affect wind speed, atmospheric mixing and the movement of moisture through the air. “Model domain and wind farm layouts”. (CREDIT: Communications Earth & Environment) “Our work helps ensure that the further expansion of offshore …