Free Worksheets, Lessons, Quizzes
Free Worksheets, Lessons, Quizzes
This lesson tells you interesting wind facts. You can learn about formation of wind, classification of winds, how powerful winds are, how wind energy is useful to us and so on. Enjoy learning wind facts!
Air in the atmosphere is always moving. Moving air is called wind.
We can feel air blowing on your face. We can see air scattering leaves and making tree branches sway.
1) Wind is never still.
2) It always moves.
3) The wind blows from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. (That means from where the pressure is greater to where the pressure is less. As warm air rises, cold air rushes in to take its place.)
Sun warms the land and air above it. Warm air is lighter than the surrounding air, so it rises. A vacuum (an empty space) is created in the space. In other places air cools. Cool air is heavier, so it sinks. Cold air rushes in to fill the vacuum created by risen air. This movement of rushing air is what we know as wind.
During the day time the land warms up more quickly than the sea. Air above the warm land rises. A vacuum (an empty space) is created over the land. Cooler air from over the sea moves in to fill the vacuum.
At night, the sea warms up more quickly than the land. Air above the warm sea rises. A vacuum (an empty space) is created over the sea. Cooler air from over the land moves in to fill the vacuum.
Winds can be classified into four major types.
1) The prevailing winds
2) The seasonal winds
3) The local winds
4) The cyclonic and anticyclonic winds
The mechanical energy of moving air is called ‘wind energy’.
Following is a list of uses of wind energy;
1) To sail ships and boats
2) To pump water
3) To dry clothes
4) To grind grain using wind mills
5) To produce electricity
6) In ancient times Chinese flew kites on windy days to frighten their enemies.
By connecting a spinning rotor (an assembly of blades attached to a hub) to an electric generator, modern wind turbines convert wind energy, which turns the rotor, into electrical energy.
A turbine is a type of fan which is turned by steam, water or the pressure.
A generator is a machine that produces electricity.
1) Pumping water from wells
2) For drainage ditches
1) Wind is a source of energy which doesn’t pollute the air.
2) Wind is a renewable resource. That means it will never run out so we can use it again and again.
3) Wind energy can be used instead of burning coal, oil and natural gases.
“Wind energy is an alternative, renewable, Eco – friendly energy source”
Also, read the lessons Wind Strength, Tornadoes and Hurricanes.