Wind

Wind is the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. It is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. As the sun heats the Earth's surface, the air above it also heats up. This warm air rises and creates an area of low pressure. Cooler air from surrounding areas then moves in to fill the low pressure area, creating wind.

Key Concepts

1. Causes of Wind: Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which creates areas of high and low pressure. This pressure difference causes air to move, creating wind.
2. Wind Direction: Wind is named for the direction from which it comes. For example, a north wind comes from the north and blows toward the south.
3. Wind Speed: Wind speed is measured in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (kph) using instruments like anemometers.
4. Effects of Wind: Wind can have a variety of effects on the environment, including shaping the Earth's surface through processes like erosion and deposition, as well as influencing the weather and climate.

Study Guide

Use the following questions to guide your study of wind:

1. What causes wind to occur?
2. How is wind direction determined?
3. What tools are used to measure wind speed?
4. How does wind affect the environment?
5. What are some common wind-related weather phenomena?

By understanding the causes and effects of wind, you can gain a deeper appreciation for this important natural phenomenon and its impact on the world around us.