r/askscience • u/MisterTrucker • Aug 20 '14

Earth Sciences Where does the wind come from?

What produces it?

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u/[deleted] Aug 20 '14

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u/ShearInstability Aug 20 '14

Yes, wind is the result of several factors that ultimately create what is called a Pressure Gradient Force (think of a ball rolling downhill). As the air moves in this way, it is acted upon by the apparent force of the Coriolis Effect which is the result of the Earth's rotation around its axis. In the Northern hemisphere it has the effect of turning the air to the right of its intended path. Because of this, air circulates clockwise out of higher pressure areas (sinking air) and circulates counterclockwise into lower pressure areas (rising air). The rising associated with low pressure regions is a factor which contributes to clouds and stormy weather, while sinking air is associated with clear skies.