Can shielding and funneling effects of structures increase wind speeds on calm days?

The correct choice is true. Shielding and funneling effects of structures can indeed increase wind speeds on calm days. Shielding occurs when buildings, trees, or other obstacles block the wind, creating areas of lower wind speed on the sheltered side. However, on the opposite side, or in between structures, the wind can be funneled or channeled, leading to higher wind speeds.

When wind passes through narrow spaces created by nearby structures, it accelerates, similar to how water speeds up when flowing through a narrower section of a river. This phenomenon can be quite noticeable in urban environments where buildings are closely spaced. Even on calm days, these effects can cause localized wind speeds to increase due to the physical layout of the area, impacting operations that involve cranes, scaffolding, or other equipment that may be sensitive to wind conditions.