Wind as a natural phenomenon has been known to everyone since early childhood. He pleases with a fresh breath on a sultry day, drives ships on the sea, and can bend trees, and break roofs on houses. The main characteristics that determine the wind are its speed and direction.
What is the wind?From a scientific point of view, the wind refers to the movement of air masses in a horizontal plane. This movement occurs because there is a difference in atmospheric pressure and heat between the two points. Air moves from high pressure areas to areas where the pressure level is lower. As a result, the wind arises.
Wind characteristics
In order to characterize the wind, two main parameters are used: direction and speed (force). The direction is determined by the side of the horizon with which it is blowing. It can be indicated in rumbas, in accordance with the 16-rumba scale. According to her, the wind can be north, south-east, north-north-west and so on. Wind direction can also be measured in degrees, relative to the meridian line. On this scale, north is defined as 0 or 360 degrees, east is 90 degrees, west is 270 degrees, and south is 180 degrees. In turn, wind speed is measured in meters per second or in knots. The node is approximately 0.5 kilometers per hour. Wind power is also measured in points, in accordance with the Beaufort scale.
Beaufort scale according to which wind strength is determined
This scale was introduced in 1805. And in 1963, the World Meteorological Association adopted the gradation, which is valid to this day. In its framework, 0 points corresponds to a calm, at which smoke will rise vertically upward, and the leaves on the trees remain motionless. A 4-point wind strength corresponds to a moderate wind, in which small waves form on the surface of the water, thin branches and leaves on the trees can sway. 9 points correspond to a stormy wind, in which even large trees can bend, tear down from roofs, and rise high waves at sea. And the maximum wind force in accordance with this scale, namely - 12 points, falls on a hurricane. This is a natural phenomenon in which the wind causes serious permissions, even capital buildings can be collapsed.
Using wind power
Wind power is widely used in energy as one of the replenished natural sources. Since time immemorial, mankind has used this resource. Suffice it to recall windmills or sailing ships. Windmills, with the help of which the pressure force of the wind is converted for further use, are widely used in those places that are characterized by constant strong winds. Of the various fields of application of such a phenomenon as wind power, it is also worth mentioning the wind tunnel.
Wind is a natural phenomenon that can bring pleasure or destruction, as well as be useful to humanity. And its specific action depends on how large the strength (or speed) of the wind turns out to be.