Windsock Vs. Wind Vane
Wind---air that moves horizontally---blows as a result of irregular air pressures. Yet it can stabilize the atmosphere by sustaining near average temperature, air pressure and humidity levels. The wind is used in many walks of life from weather forecasting to flying airplanes, even as a source of energy.
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Geography
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Wind moves due to irregular heating of the earth's surface. Cooler air, which is heavier, drives the warmer, heavier air. Winds affect locations differently depending on the season, topography and proximity to water, forests or flat, open lands. Wind socks and weather vanes may be used in any location to show wind direction---direction from which the wind comes---and approximate wind speed.
Identification
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Weather vanes swivel in the wind when fastened to a roof or other peak, showing the wind's direction. They are frequently shaped like roosters or other farm animals, with a paddle and pointer. Windsocks are tapered, tube-shaped kites that indicate wind direction and can be used to estimate wind speed. A gentle breeze of eight to 12 miles per hour will extend the windsock from the pole at an angle of about 35 to 45 degrees while a moderate gale---32 to 38 mph---stretches the windsock out to a 90-degree angle.
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Significance
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Weather vanes show the direction of the wind, swiveling as the wind changes direction and brings with it the hint of a change in the weather. Wind socks not only show the wind direction, but also give pilots an estimate of wind speed, which is necessary during take-off and landing. They are also important near refineries or locations that store chemicals because they show which direction toxic discharges will blow and give approximate wind speeds to illustrate how quickly the wind-carried discharges might affect surrounding neighborhoods.
Function
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Windsocks fly according to wind movement. Pilots estimate the wind speed depending on how far they stand out from the pole. Wind direction and speed provide lift for the planes during takeoffs and provide drag to slow planes down during landings. Wind vanes are perched on vertical poles, allowing them to whirl in the wind. The direction the wind vane points toward can be compared with a compass reading to assess the correct wind direction.
Potential
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Anyone may create a chart to record weather conditions. Data to be recorded might include date and time, cloud cover and other weather observations. Columns for estimated wind speed and wind direction would be included for jotting down observed wind vane and windsock readings. If these weather conditions are recorded at the same times each day, they give a fair indication of weather trends for a particular area.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wind sock and propeller image by Steve Mann from Fotolia.com
