We have winds from the energy of the sun and the rotation of the earth. What drives our weather and climate? Why do natural disasters occur and how do they form?

What causes wind?
It’s the difference in air pressure, which is the pressure exerted by the weight of the air. Yes, air has weight (learn more in “Barometric Pressure”).

The Sun plays a role in wind. It heats the Earth unevenly. Warm air expands and rises. This makes the air weigh less and creates a low pressure area.

This creates a pressure imbalance with a nearby high pressure area (cooler air weighs more), and the high pressure moves to low pressure, creating wind.

The greater the difference in air pressure, the greater the wind speed.

Let’s learn more about wind, weather and climate.