answersLogoWhite

0

Wind is slowest near the ground because of friction. You can see a small example of the friction effect by looking at the surface of a dusty car. The dust will not blow off even if the car is driven at high speed, because the air closest to the car's surface will be moving much more slowly than the car itself due to surface friction.

The strongest winds occur near the place in the atmosphere where the temperature stops dropping as you go higher, and starts to rise again. This is the tropopause, and the strong winds which occur there are known as jet streams. The causes of jet streams are complex, but, like all winds, are caused by air attempting to move from an area of high pressure (usually cold air) to one of low pressure (usually hot air).

User Avatar

Wiki User

18y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

What is a sudden change in wind speed and direction called?

A sudden change in wind speed and direction is called a wind gust. Wind gusts are short bursts of strong wind that can occur during thunderstorms, frontal passages, or other weather systems.


How do isobars indicate wind speed?

Isobars that are close together indicate stronger wind speed, where the wind blows parallel to the lines connecting points of equal pressure. The closer the isobars are together, the stronger the pressure gradient force, leading to faster winds.


Can wind speed vary at different elevations?

Yes, wind speed can vary at different elevations due to factors like terrain, obstacles, and temperature changes. Generally, wind speeds tend to increase with increasing elevation, especially in mountainous regions where the terrain can influence wind patterns.


What is a change in speed and direction of the wind at different altitudes in the same column of air?

Wind shear refers to the change in speed and direction of the wind at different altitudes in the same column of air. It can create turbulence and impact aircraft operations, particularly during takeoff and landing. Wind shear is commonly associated with weather phenomena such as thunderstorms and frontal boundaries.


What were the two factors that caused differences in wind speed?

The two main factors that cause differences in wind speed are the pressure gradient and the Earth's rotation. The pressure gradient is the difference in air pressure between two points, which drives the movement of air. The Earth's rotation also influences wind speed through the Coriolis effect, which deflects air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, creating wind patterns.

Related Questions

Does wind speed change with altitude in a hurricane?

Yes, wind speed in hurricanes typically increases with altitude. This increase in wind speed with altitude is known as the wind profile within the hurricane, with the strongest winds typically found at higher altitudes in the storm's structure.


How is wind affected by altitude?

how does is wind speed affected by altitude


How is wind speed affected by altitude?

Wind speed generally increases with altitude. This is due to a decrease in surface friction and obstacles that slow down the wind closer to the ground. As air is less hindered by obstacles at higher altitudes, it can flow more freely and result in higher wind speeds.


What conditions are believed to be caused by el nino and effectively weakens hurricane in the atlantic ocean?

It is believed that El Niño produces wind shear, which is a change in the speed and/or direction of the wind with altitude.


What impact does increasing wind-speed have on wind chill?

Increasing wind speed increases the rate of heat loss from the body, making the air feel colder than it actually is. This results in a lower perceived temperature, known as the wind chill effect. The higher the wind speed, the stronger the wind chill effect.


Is a person jogging at 3 m s along wind an example of acceleration?

Yes, a person jogging at 3 m/s along the wind can be considered an example of acceleration if there is a change in velocity, such as increasing speed, changing direction, or experiencing a change in wind resistance. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity over time. If the jogger maintains a constant speed and direction, then there is no acceleration. However, if the wind affects their speed or direction, then acceleration occurs.


How can a wind turbine go faster?

A wind turbine can go faster by increasing the wind speed it is exposed to. This can be achieved by placing the turbine at a higher altitude, using larger rotor blades, or installing it in an area with stronger wind conditions. Additionally, regular maintenance and optimization of the turbine's components can help improve its efficiency and performance.


Average speed of a hot air balloon?

The average speed of a hot air balloon is typically between 5-10 mph. However, the speed can vary depending on the wind conditions and altitude.


Does the speed of a bullet decreases as the altitude increases?

Yes, due both to gravity and wind resistance.


Can fluctuation of wind cause a tornado?

Not directly. But changes in wind speed and direction in altitude, called wind shear, plays an important role in tornado formation.


What is effect of increasing wind speed on rate of evaporation?

a drought or windy rain


In a wind turbine - does increasing the blade length or decreasing the blade length increases the speed of the turbine?

Decreasing the blade length will increase the rotation speed, and thus the turbine speed ( for constant wind speed ).