Cold air that forms above warm air pushes down on it. The warm air will follow the path of least resistance and fill the area with the least pressure. It will flow downward and spread out and will rise again in an area of low pressure. As warm air rises it cools and water vapor is formed. As it rises and cools further the water vapor can no longer remain a gas and condenses into tiny water droplets (or if cold enough, into ice crystals). You'll see it - as a cloud!

Interesting Facts

• In 1805 a chart or scale for estimating wind speed was made by Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort. The Beaufort Scale is still taught to wildland firefighters and others who need to be able to pass on weather information when high tech instruments are not available.
• Wind can be used to do work - like grinding grain, transporting water, sawing wood, or creating electricity. Learn more about windmills and wind turbines.
• Not all wind turbines look alike. Their blades can have different shapes.
• People have been using wind power for thousands of years. The windmills of Holland are world renowned for their beauty and function.

Activities for Children and the Young at Heart

1.  Make a list of all the fun ways you play in or experience wind. Have you ever made and flown a kite? What other sports, games or activities are wind-related?
2.  Take a look at the Beaufort Scale then create your own scale based on the fun you can have in the wind. Examples: Kite flying wind, flag flying wind... what others can you think of?
3. List all the ways wind works for you and your community. Is there any wind generated power in your community?  Do you see farms with windmills?
4.  Find out where the fastest wind speed on the planet has been recorded. How close is this to where you live? What is the fastest wind speed you have experienced.
5. List all the ways you can make wind. How can you make air move? Have you ever made a paper fan?