What is Wind?
Wind is the natural movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. It is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun, resulting in differences in air pressure.
Types of Wind
- Local Winds – Sea breezes and land breezes
- Global Winds – Trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies
Effects of Wind
Wind plays a crucial role in shaping our planet’s climate and weather patterns. It can also impact agriculture, transportation, and power generation.
Case Study: Wind Energy
Wind energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of wind to generate electricity. In 2020, wind power accounted for 8% of total U.S. electricity generation.
Statistics
- Global wind power capacity reached 743 GW in 2020
- China is the largest producer of wind energy, followed by the United States and Germany
