Why Does the Wind Blow?

Today, let’s begin with a riddle.

“I can be very strong, but other times I’m just a breeze. Although you can’t see me, you can see me blow the leaves. What am I?”

What makes the wind blow?

If you answered “wind,” you’re exactly right! We feel or see the effects of the wind almost every day. But what makes the wind blow? Air temperature!

The sun heats up earth’s surface, but not every area is heated equally. When two areas are different temperatures, the air pressure is also different. Colder areas have higher air pressure while warmer areas have lower air pressure. The gases in earth’s atmosphere always move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. This movement of gas causes the wind.

Windy Facts:

• Many storms and natural disasters, including hurricanes and tornadoes, produce very strong and sometimes destructive winds. During these storms, wind speeds can reach up to 300 miles per hour.
• In 1996, the fastest wind gust ever recorded (besides during a tornado) happened in Australia. The gust was 253 miles per hour and part of a cyclone.
• The strongest winds in our solar system happen on planet Neptune. Winds there can reach approximately 1,300 miles per hour.

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. We’d love to hear from you!