What Causes ‘Wind’ and How Is It Measured?

Wind is when the air moves from one place to another, like a big invisible push. When the sun heats up the Earth, it warms different parts of the air at different speeds, this makes the air move. Scientists use tools called anemometers to measure how fast the wind is blowing. These look like little spinning cups or fans that spin faster when the wind gets stronger.

Take the quiz →

Examples

When you feel a wind blow across your face, it's because the air is moving from one place to another, just like how a fan moves air around a room.
Anemometers work by spinning when the wind blows. The faster they spin, the stronger the wind feels.
Wind can be as gentle as a whisper or as strong as a storm, it all depends on how much the air is moving.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Science · wind,weather,atmosphere,measurement,science for kids