Key Idea.
Section 1
High Pressure Pushes Air
The atmosphere has weight, and this weight pushes down on the Earth. In areas of high pressure, the air is crowded and pushes down hard. In low pressure areas, it is less crowded.
Nature balances this out by moving air from the crowded area to the empty area. This movement of air is what we experience as wind.
Section 2
Pressure Differences Create Force
The strength of the wind depends on the pressure differential—the difference in pressure between two places.
A large difference acts like a steep hill, causing the air to rush fast (strong wind). A small difference results in a gentle breeze. Thus, wind is simply the atmosphere trying to equalize pressure.
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Section 1
High Pressure Pushes Air
The atmosphere has weight, and this weight pushes down on the Earth. In areas of high pressure, the air is crowded and pushes down hard. In low pressure areas, it is less crowded.
Nature balances this out by moving air from the crowded area to the empty area. This movement of air is what we experience as wind.
Section 2
Pressure Differences Create Force
The strength of the wind depends on the pressure differential—the difference in pressure between two places.
A large difference acts like a steep hill, causing the air to rush fast (strong wind). A small difference results in a gentle breeze. Thus, wind is simply the atmosphere trying to equalize pressure.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter