What is Wind?

We all know that warm air rises, but how does this scientific fact influence our weather and create those flows of air molecules that we know of as wind? In this episode of SciShow, Hank explains where wind comes from, what factors influence it, and how fast it can go!

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[jamesm.]

This question popped into my mind, now I can sleep thanks

[Lord.PussPuss]

I know this might seem random, but hear me out. I started watching Hank's material solely to pass basic biology and chemistry. I hated science and I thought it sucked. With the help of Hank's channels, I both passed those classes, and learned that I actually love what science has to offer. Today, I'm trying to major in both neuropsychology and biology. And I'll probably make it. But I'm here to some degree because of help given by Hank. All I'm saying is if you're new to this channel, keep on watching this splendid material. You never know what it'll inspire you to do

[Melonsandpeaches]

I’m stoned af and it’s windy and I was like “what is wind”

[JustinRCampbell]

I think another variable that people miss is the different terrain that is exposed to sun. So the fact that a sunny day hits water but only heats the air a small amount while raising the temperature of complete body of water a few degrees. While the same sunny day hits tar at a parking lot nearby, heating the surface of the tar, the air above it, but not the earth below it. This will create the gradient of heat that may cause wind via high pressure/low pressure.

Same with the difference of terrain of a forest (which converts light into chemical energy via photosynthesis) versus a desert (which just kind of roasts converting the light into heat).
In the absence of the sun, the mass of a desert will cool at a rapid pace while the forest will take long for the heat to dissipate out of the vegetative community.

Adding the variants of terrain, the rotating earth (day and night), the earth's tilt (changing seasons), the current humidity (the sun being absorbed by cloud versus hitting the earth's surface): All of these factors can create a wide variety of unpredictable weather. Even small shifts in the exertion of stored energy via human/animal motion or the combustion of gasoline in your cars can have an impact on local temperatures and thus climate/wind on a larger scale. So many factors ensure that weather is never repeated but there are still patterns that can help predict to a limited degree.

[whatsnew]

Who else is here because there science teacher didn’t feel like filming themselves in the middle of a pandemic? Just me...ok. 😂

[MyDude]

What happens with the wind once it starts? Does it just keep going or does it gradually die down?

[amyrenae]

One of my favorite channels on YouTube thank you

[freestyleskyline]

I love that this video is nearly a decade old and still feels fresh!

[TopArchive]

This reminds me of the German commercial, "The Wind". Anyone remember that video?

[IssacBranford]

Wow, this video was particularly well done. Good job SciShow.

[Noukz]

Wow, many years ago Hank used to present SciShow while he was drunk apparently.

[aliciaabrego]

I would absolutely love to see a video on the science of learning! There is so much more going on in the brain then we can see (obviously) and there is more to do than simply be curious! Here's to hoping! And as always, thanks for continuously providing awesome videos! -Alicia

[lisascoones]

You know what would be cool? Crash Course Weather!
Okay... cool might be pushing it, but I'm sure there would be some temperature involved :)

[Twigrl]

Thank you! My nephew asked me what wind was a few days ago, and I had no answer, well no good answer. Problem solved, just make him watch this.

[sarahblub]

This is great! I've pondered wind since as far back as I can remember, but for some reason never got around to researching the processes behind it.

[bongcanlas]

You're a genius. I wish I could be as animated as you are. Keep up a good job!

[Guybrush]

It's so nice to see the numbers/stats in this show in meters and celsius =)
Thanks!

[kiki]

suggestion (if it hasn't already been done): what makes you itch, and why does scratching help

[MDMAx]

Long have I pondered about this question.. Thank you Hank and your team for this episode.

[hopemckellar]

thank you this helped a lot for my earth science class!!