Wind: what is, guys, when is strong, how it is measured and examples

The wind is the movement of the air in the atmosphere, and occurs mainly due to the differences in temperature and pressure between different areas of the Earth. When the sun heats the earth’s surface, it does not do it uniformly, but some areas heat more than others. The hot air, being lighter, tends to climb, while the cold air, more dense, descends to take its place. This air mass movement is what we perceive as wind.

There are several types of wind, and can be classified according to their duration, address, origin or area where they blow. Let’s see which are the main ones:

• Constant or planetary winds: they are the ones that always blow in the same direction and with little variation throughout the year. The distribution of pressure on the planet is due to the Earth’s rotation movement. Among them are the Alisios, which blow from the subtropical areas to Ecuador, and the Western winds, which predominate in the middle latitudes.
• Periodic winds: They change direction according to the time of year or the time of the day. A clear example is the monsoons, typical of southern Asia, who in summer carry wet air from the ocean to the continent, causing heavy rains, and in winter they blow in the opposite direction, with dry air towards the sea.
• Local winds: They are typical of concrete regions and are due to specific relief characteristics or conditions. Some examples are the Foehn in the Alps, the Siroco in the Mediterranean or the Zonda in Argentina.
• Variable or irregular winds: They do not have a fixed direction or force. They originate from atmospheric disturbances, such as storms or cyclones, and their behavior can change suddenly.

To identify the address of these winds and orient in navigation or climate, the wind rose is used, a diagram that indicates the cardinal points and the predominant winds in a region.

The force of the wind is measured by the speed with which the air moves. The higher that speed, we perceive it. In meteorology, it is considered that it is strong wind when its speed exceeds 40 kilometers per hour, although the sensation can vary according to the environment.

To measure the wind intensity, the Beaufort scale is used, which goes from 0 (total calm) to 12 (hurricane). According to this scale, a strong wind is usually between levels 6 and 7, which is equivalent to bursts capable of moving thick branches of the trees, lifting dust or hindering the passage of people.

In this article you will find more information about when strong wind is considered.

The wind is mainly measured in two aspects: its speed and its direction. To do this, the weather uses specific instruments that allow obtaining precise and constant data.

The best known is the anemometer, which serves to measure the wind speed. There are several types. The most common are those of Cazoletas, which have three or four small glasses that turn when they are pushed by the air; The faster they revolve, the greater the registered speed. There are also propeller anemometers, similar to a small fan, and ultrasonic anemometers, which calculate wind speed by sound waves, without mobile parts, which makes them more precise and resistant. Discover more about the anemometer: what is it, what it is for and how it works.

To know the wind direction, the weather vane is used, a arrow -shaped instrument that revolves on an axis to align with the wind. The tip indicates towards the direction from where the air proceeds.

The wind has a great influence both in the environment and in everyday life.

• In nature: wind helps to regulate the air temperature, disperse seeds and pollen and transport moisture from the oceans into the continents, which contributes to the formation of clouds and rains. It also influences soil erosion and rocks, especially in arid or coastal areas, where it can mold whole landscapes over time.
• In daily life: wind influences as diverse aspects as thermal sensation, maritime and aerial navigation, and wind energy production.

However, the wind can also have negative effects when it blows too hard. It can cause trees, affect harvests, interrupt transport or cause damage to homes and infrastructure.

In different parts of the world there are characteristic winds that receive proper names according to their origin, direction or effects on the climate. Let’s see some of the best known examples:

• Alisios: They are constant winds that blow from the subtropical areas to Ecuador. They are warm and humid, and play a key role in tropical climate and hurricane formation. Discover more about the Alisios winds: what they are and how they form.
• Mistral: blows in southern France, especially in the Rhone Valley.
• Siroco: originates in the Sahara desert and blows towards the Mediterranean Sea. It is a warm wind and loaded with dust that can raise temperatures in countries such as Italy, Greece or Spain.
• Zonda: Argentina’s own, descends from the Andes mountain range. It is a dry and very warm wind that can sharply raise the temperature in a few hours.
• Foehn: It occurs in mountainous regions, such as Alps or Andes. It is a warm and dry wind that appears when the humid air rises along a hillside, cools and discharges its humidity, and then descends on the other side, heating quickly.
• Monzón: It is a seasonal wind that changes direction according to the time of year. In summer it has wet air from the ocean to the continent (causing heavy rains), and in winter blows in the opposite direction, with dry air. It is characteristic of southern Asia.
• Pampero: blows in the plains of southern South America, especially in Argentina, Uruguay and part of Brazil.

You may be interested in knowing the types of winds in Spain.

The strongest wind in the world officially registered was measured on April 10, 1996 on Barrow Island (Australia), during the passage of Cyclone Olivia. At that time, a burst reached 407 kilometers per hour, a speed comparable to that of a high -speed train or even that of a category 5 hurricane. This brand was recognized by the World Meteorological Organization as the absolute record of the most intense wind ever recorded on the earth’s surface.

Studying the wind is essential because it influences almost all aspects of the planet: climate, ecosystems, navigation, agriculture, aviation and even the generation of energy. Understanding how it behaves and what causes it allows anticipating natural phenomena, taking advantage of its benefits and reducing its risks.

In addition, the wind influences natural ecosystems. It transports seeds, pollen dispersed, regulates the temperature and distributes moisture in the atmosphere. Its study allows us to better understand environmental balances and soil desertification or erosion processes.

If you want to read more wind -like articles: what is, types, when it is strong, how it is measured and examples, we recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.