UNLIMITED

How It Works

WHAT CAUSES WIND?

Earth’s atmosphere is structured into five main layers. From the closest to farthest from Earth’s surface, these are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. The air gets thinner as the distance from the planet’s surface increases, but each of these atmospheric layers displays turbulence. Air particles are constantly churned both vertically and horizontally; this turbulence is also known as wind. The wind we experience when we venture outside is in the troposphere, and it can vary extremely in temperature and strength. But what causes these tiny particles to move so ferociously, and in unison, that the feeling of wind hitting the skin can be as strong as a slap in the face?

Air changes position in the atmosphere as its pressure alters. When its particles

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from How It Works

How It Works5 min read
Gladiator II Movie Myths Busted
Not all gladiators were slaves – some were free men looking for fame and glory Pedro Pascal plays a Roman general who serves under the protagonist of Ridley Scott’s first Gladiator film, Maximus Decimus Meridius. Like Maximus, Marcus is a completely
How It Works8 min read
Finding The Dino-killing Asteroid
Around 66 million years ago, life on Earth was thriving. The Cretaceous period culminated in land covered in lush forests rich with biodiversity, including giant dinosaurs. Casting your eyes over the Cretaceous forests, you might have seen the heads
How It Works1 min read
How It Works
Editor Ben Biggs Senior Art Editor Duncan Crook Production Editor Nikole Robinson Senior Staff Writer Scott Dutfield Staff Writer Ailsa Harvey Editor-in-Chief Tim Williamson Mike Jennings, Dr. Andrew May, Ben Turner, Hannah Osbourne, Owen Jarus, Harr

Related Books & Audiobooks