How Does the Air Move?

Wind is the movement of air particles.

Air particles are incredibly important to weather-related phenomena and changes as much as it reacts from climate changes. The movement of air, referred to as wind, can manifest itself in several ways.

Pressure Changes

One way air moves is through a change in pressure. A pressure gradient exists where there is a difference between air pressures. Air moves over this in a spiral motion, because of the movement of the Earth, from high pressure to low pressure. Because of this spiraling motion, wind has a deflection to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This is called the Coriolis force.

Convection

Convection is the term used to describe the movement of air based on temperature changes. When a change in temperature occurs, air particles transfer heat from warmer to cooler regions and moves accordingly. Since it is usually warmer closer to the ground, air movement of this type is usually upwards.

Weather Convections

At smaller, localized locations, the movement of air, specifically convection, is responsible for the formation of clouds and rain, when water particles move with upward air flows. Breezes that are found at coastal locations are also made through convection, since seawater and land have constant temperature differences. On a large scale, air flow from warmer regions of the world can collide with those from colder regions, causing fronts and depressions.

References

• Technology Student: how the Air Moves Forming Wind
• Manchester Metropolitaan University: Movement of Air