Question

Explain the types of wind systems. What are the instruments used in measuring wind speed and direction?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Define wind
• Explain types of wind systems
• List and elaborate instruments used in measuring wind speed and direction

Solution:

Wind: The horizontal movement of air is called wind whereas the vertical movement of air is known as an air current. The winds move from high pressure to low pressure. Unlike other elements, the wind is made up of a series of gusts and currents which can only be felt and not seen. ​

The wind is broadly classified into three categories – Planetary Winds, Seasonal Winds, and Local Winds.​
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Planetary Winds: Also known as Permanent winds, they blow almost in the same direction throughout the year. Trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies are the types of prevailing winds.​

Seasonal Winds: They are also called monsoon winds as they change their direction according to the season in a year. These winds blow from sea to land during summer and land to sea during winter.​

Local Winds: Blow over a small area only during a particular time of the day. Chinook and Foehn are examples of the hot local winds.​

Meteorologists are the experts who measure wind speed and direction using specific tools and instruments. ​

• The Beaufort scale is a scale for measuring wind speed. It is a descriptive table that depicts the force of the wind based on observation by a series of numbers from 0 to 12. ​
• The Wind Vane is also known as a weathervane. It is an instrument that tells the wind direction.​
• ​An Anemometer helps in measuring wind speed and direction.​
• The Wind Rose is a diagram used to depict the direction and periods (No. of days) of prevailing winds on the map. ​
• A Meteorograph or Triple Register is an instrument which records wind speed and direction, sunshine and precipitation.​