The Wind |
This page provides information on the weather element known as The Wind. |
What is the wind?
Wind is the movement of air from an area of low pressure to an area of high pressure.
How is it measured?
For wind we measure both speed and direction:
Wind speed is measured using an ANEMOMETER which measures how fast it spins as the wind pushes it around in a circle. See an example of one below: |
Wind direction is measured using a WIND VANE, which is a device that simply points in the direction the wind is blowing as the wind catches it and points it in the right direction. See below for an example of one: |
WHAT IS THE UNIT OF MEASUREMENT?
Wind speed is measured in Kilometers Per Hour, (Kph). |
Wind direction is measured by describing the direction FROM which the wind is blowing. (North, South, East, West, etc.). |
The Beaufort Scale
Wind strength can also be determined by describing the observed damage it does to the landscape. Wind strength is judged by the damage it causes and this is split into 12 forces on the Beaufort Scale. It is known as the beaufort scale in honour of the Irishman who created it. |
Example of Beaufort Scale: |