WhatIsWind.com

An Educational Site About Wind-Related Topics

Wind

Air may not seem like anything at all; in fact, we take it for granted all the time. But during a windstorm, air can really make its presence known. As gusts whirl about, wind is able to lift roofs off buildings, blow down power lines and trees, cause traffic accidents, and inflict major damage. A gentle breeze cools a home on a warm spring day. A colorful kite floats high above a picnicking family during a holiday. The tinkling of chimes beneath a baby's bedroom window lulls the child to sleep. With sails unfurled, a sailboat sets off across the water. At these times, the wind seems like our friend. A hurricane roars inland, destroying homes and upsetting communities. Without warning, a thunderstorm rolls into town, dampening plans for a summer picnic. The slamming of shutters outside a baby's bedroom window awakens the infant suddenly. Surf's up, and the waves pound wickedly, whipping the sailboat toward the rocky shoreline. At these times, the wind seems like our foe. Whether it is our friend or foe, we cannot deny the awesome power of wind energy, and the very real effect it can have on our lives.

What Is wind? Wind is simply moving air. In a general sense, it is the flow of gases which comprise an atmosphere. Wind is described with direction and speed. The direction of the wind is expressed as the direction from which the wind is blowing. For example, easterly winds blow from east to west, while northerly winds blow from north to south. Winds have different levels of speed, such as "breeze" and "gale", depending on how fast they blow. Based on the direction and speed, wind energy has the potential to be converted into wind power.

What causes wind? It is caused by differences in air pressure within our atmosphere. Air under high pressure moves toward areas of low pressure. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the air flows. Wind is produced by the uneven heating of the earth's surface by the sun. Since the earth's surface is made of various land and water formations, it absorbs the sun's radiation at different rates. During the day, the air above the land heats up more quickly than the air over the water. The warm air over the land expands and rises, and the heavier, cooler air rushes in to take its place, creating winds. At night, the winds are reversed, because the air cools more rapidly over land than over water.

Where does wind come from? The large atmospheric winds that circle the earth are created because the land near the earth's equator is heated more by the sun than the land near the North and South Poles. Ultimately, all the energy on our planet comes from the sun; therefore, wind energy can be considered a form of solar energy. About one to two per cent of the energy coming from the sun is converted into wind energy, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of the world three times over. Electricity from the wind is produced using wind turbines and wind generators.

How does wind benefit mankind? Wind is considered the fastest growing source of electricity in the world. It is often one of the least expensive forms of renewable power available. Some experts say it can sometimes be the cheapest form of any kind of power. Generating power from the wind leaves no harmful waste products behind. Best of all, its supply is considered unlimited, because the wind will blow as long as the sun shines. Electricity from the wind is produced in quantity in wind farms. Wind can also provide enjoyment for mankind in many ways; one method is wind chimes.

There are many types of wind chimes. Two of the more common varieties include outdoor wind chimes and unique wind chimes. Wind chimes can also be made from several types of materials. Two common wind chime material varieties include bamboo wind chimes and glass wind chimes.

We trust this website will be informative for you. Enjoy learning about wind, and its many wind-related subjects.