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Winds
What is wind?
Wind is moving air. As the heat energy of the sun warms the air around the earth, the air expands and rises. As it rises, the air cools and becomes heavier. The cooler air moves down and under warm air. This moving air is called wind.
When wind moves gently, it is called a breeze. It can blow harder too. When the winds are very strong, they can become gales and storms. Very strong winds can become hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and tornadoes. These can cause disasters.
Measuring the Wind
We can measure the speed of the wind using an anemometer. |
We can show the direction the wind is blowing with a windsock or windvane. |
The Beaufort Wind Scale
This is one way that the strength of the wind is measured. The scale is named after Sir Francis Beaufort, who developed it in 1805 for use by sailors. Go to this kidcyber page to see information about the Beaufort Wind Scale
Using the wind
Humans have used the wind for centuries. Wind moves boats and ships, pumps water, grinds grain and dries the washing. We still use the energy of the wind for leisure and industry. Wind energy is used to generate electricity, pump water, move boats and propel hang gliders, parasails and hot air balloons.
Yachts are moved by the energy of the wind. Yachts are sailed for recreation and leisure.
Wind Energy
Wind farms
are places that generate energy from the wind.
Go here to the kidcyber page about wind energy and wind farms
Look here at a wind farm in operation
Go here to find some 'windy' things to make: a pin wheel, an anemometer and a wind direction device.
Acknowledge this
source in your bibliography like this:
Thomas, Ron & Sydenham, Shirley. Winds [Online] www.kidcyber.com.au (2009)
updated March 2009 © kidcyber