The main reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere is the pressure drops in the atmosphere, which are several above the ground. Below you feel the greatest density and oxygen saturation. When a gaseous substance rises as a result of heating below, a rarefaction occurs, which tends to fill with neighboring layers. So winds and hurricanes arise due to daytime and evening temperature drops.
Why do we need wind?
If there was no reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere, then the vital activity of any organism would cease. Wind helps plants, animals to multiply. It moves clouds and is a driving force in the water cycle on Earth. Thanks to climate change, the area is cleansed of dirt and microorganisms.
A person can survive without food for about several weeks, without water for no more than 3 days, and without air for no more than 10 minutes. All life on Earth depends on oxygen moving with the air masses. The continuity of this process is supported by the sun. The change of day and night leads to temperature fluctuations on the surface of the planet.
In the atmosphere, there is always the movement of air, pressing on the Earth's surface with a pressure of 1.033 g per millimeter. A person practically does not feel this mass, but with its horizontal movement we perceive it as a wind. In hot countries, the breeze is the only relief from rising hell in the desert and steppes.
How is the wind formed?
The main reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere is the displacement of layers under the influence of temperature. The physical process is associated with the properties of gases: change its volume, expand when heated, and taper off under the influence of cold.
The main and additional reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere:
- Temperature differences under the influence of the sun are uneven. This is due to the shape of the planet (in the form of a sphere). Some parts of the Earth warm less, others more. The difference in atmospheric pressure is created.
- Volcanic eruptions dramatically increase air temperature.
- Atmospheric heating as a result of human activity: the emissions of vapors from automobiles and industry raise the temperature on the planet.
- The cooled oceans and seas at night cause air movement.
- The explosion of an atomic bomb leads to rarefaction in the atmosphere.
The mechanism of movement of gaseous layers on the planet
The reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere is the uneven temperature. The layers heated from the surface of the Earth rise up, where the density of the gaseous substance increases. The chaotic process of redistribution of masses begins - the wind. Heat is gradually given to neighboring molecules, which also leads them to vibrational-translational motion.
The reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere is the relationship of temperature and pressure in gaseous substances. The wind continues until the initial state of the layers of the planet is balanced. But such a condition will never be achieved, due to the following factors:
- Rotational and translational motion of the Earth around the Sun.
- Inevitable unevenness of the warmed areas of the planet.
- The activity of living beings directly affects the state of the entire ecosystem.
In order for the wind to completely disappear, you must stop the planet, remove all life from the surface and hide it in the shadow of the Sun. Such a state can occur with the complete death of the Earth, but the forecasts of scientists are still comforting: this is expected by mankind in millions of years.
Strong sea wind
Stronger air movement in the atmosphere is observed on the coasts. This is due to uneven heating of the soil and water. Less heated are rivers, seas, lakes, and oceans. The soil is instantly heated, giving off heat to the gaseous substance above the surface.
Heated air rises sharply, and the resulting vacuum tends to fill. And since air density is higher above water, the wind direction is formed towards the coast. This effect is especially felt in hot countries during the day. At night the whole process changes, air movement towards the sea is already observed - a night breeze.
In general, the wind is called a breeze, changing direction twice daily in opposite directions. Monsoons have similar properties, only they blow in the hot season from the sea, and in the cold seasons - towards land.
How to determine the wind?
The main reason for the movement of air in the atmosphere is the uneven distribution of heat. The rule is true in all situations in nature. Even a volcanic eruption first heats up the gaseous layers, and only then does the wind rise.
You can check all processes by installing weathercocks, or, more simply, flags sensitive to air flow. The flat shape of the freely rotating device prevents it from being across the wind. It tries to turn in the direction of motion of the gaseous substance.
Often the wind is felt by the body, through the clouds, through the smoke of the chimney. It is difficult to notice its weak flows, for this you need to wet your finger, it will freeze from the windward side. You can also use a light piece of matter or a balloon filled with helium, so the flag rises on the masts.
Wind power
Not only the reason for the movement of air is important, but also its strength, determined on a ten-point scale:
- 0 points - wind speed in absolute calm;
- up to 3 - weak or moderate flow up to 5 m / s;
- from 4 to 6 - strong wind speed of about 12 m / s;
- from 7 to 9 points - a storm warning is voiced , speed up to 22 m / s;
- from 8 to 12 points and above - is called a hurricane, demolishes even the roofs of houses, buildings are collapsing.
What is a tornado or tornado?
The movement of thunderclouds causes mixed air currents. The oncoming stream is not able to overcome the dense barrier and rushes up, piercing the clouds. Having passed clumps of gaseous substances, the wind falls down.
Often there are conditions when there is a twisting of streams, gradually amplified by suitable winds. The tornado is gaining strength and the wind speed is such that the train can soar into the atmosphere. North America is the leader in the number of such events per year. Tornadoes cause millions of losses for the population, they take a large number of lives.
Other wind formation options
Strong winds can erase any formations from the surface, even mountains. The only type of non-temperature cause of the movement of air masses is a blast wave. After the actuation of the atomic charge, the speed of movement of the gaseous substance is such that it blows multi-ton structures like dust particles.
A strong flow of atmospheric air occurs when large meteorites fall or breaks in the earth's crust. Similar phenomena are observed during the tsunami after tremors. Melting of polar ice leads to similar conditions in the atmosphere.