QAPhysics › Wind speeds increase higher up from the Earth’s surface because
Q

Wind speeds increase higher up from the Earth’s surface because

A. the wind is augmented by the solar wind.

B. the atmosphere is composed of heavier molecules at lower atmospheric levels.

C. oxygen levels are decreased, making air movement quicker.

D. friction from landscape features doesn't slow them down.

A

Answer: D. friction from landscape features doesn’t slow them down.

The higher you go into the Earth’s atmosphere, the higher the speed of the wind becomes. This is because the friction that is normally created by landscape features does not slow it down. The gradient of pressure between cold and warm air also increases with height, and so the wind moves faster. When the wind comes in contact with landscape features (such as trees and buildings) at low altitudes, it is slowed down by the friction formed. The effects of this friction reduce, however, at higher altitudes, and the wind moves faster.

 

3 years ago
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