Wind: Explanation and Study Guide
Wind is the movement of air in the atmosphere. It is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates differences in air pressure. These pressure differences lead to the movement of air from high pressure areas to low pressure areas, creating wind.
Factors Affecting Wind
- Pressure Gradient: The rate at which air pressure changes over a given distance. A steeper pressure gradient leads to stronger winds.
- Coriolis Effect: The deflection of air due to the Earth's rotation, causing winds to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Friction: The resistance of the Earth's surface to the flow of air, which slows down wind speed near the surface.
- Centripetal Force: The force that causes air to move in a circular path around areas of low pressure.
Measuring Wind
Winds are typically measured using anemometers, which determine wind speed, and wind vanes, which determine wind direction.
Global Wind Patterns
The Earth's rotation and uneven heating lead to the formation of distinct global wind patterns, including the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.
Effects of Wind
- Wind erosion of soil
- Transport of pollutants and airborne particles
- Creation of renewable energy through wind turbines
- Influence on weather patterns
Study Guide Questions
- What causes the movement of air in the atmosphere?
- Explain how the Coriolis effect influences wind direction in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- How does wind speed vary with altitude and surface roughness?
- Describe the global wind patterns and their impact on climate and weather.
- Discuss the effects of wind erosion and the measures to control it.
[Wind] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Nuclear Chemistry
Worksheet/Answer key
Nuclear Chemistry 
Worksheet/Answer key
Nuclear Chemistry Worksheet/Answer key
Nuclear Chemistry
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy and the effects of these interactions on systems by researching applications of nuclear reactions in which a small amount of matter is converted directly into a huge amount of energy (i.e., E=MC2). (L)