What Causes Wind? Atmospheric Pressure Explained

The Simple Answer

Wind is caused by differences in atmospheric pressure. Air naturally flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, just as water flows downhill. The greater the pressure difference over a given distance, the stronger the wind.

What Creates Pressure Differences?

Uneven heating of Earth's surface. Land heats faster than water. Dark surfaces absorb more heat than light ones. The equator receives more solar energy than the poles. These temperature differences create pressure differences, which create wind.

The Coriolis Effect

On a non-rotating Earth, wind would blow straight from high to low pressure. But Earth's rotation deflects moving air:

• Right in the Northern Hemisphere
• Left in the Southern Hemisphere

This is why wind spirals around pressure systems rather than flowing straight into them.

Wind Speed Scales

Local Wind Patterns

• Sea breezes: Land heats faster than water during the day, creating onshore winds
• Land breezes: At night, the land cools faster, reversing the flow
• Valley winds: Air warms in valleys during the day and flows upslope
• Katabatic winds: Cold, dense air drains downslope at night

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