Introduction to 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.

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