PRESSURE & AIRFLOW · INTERACTIVE LESSON 5/8
Why is the wind blowing?
Create a pressure difference across a landscape. Reverse it, then bring the pressure systems closer together.
ILLUSTRATIVE 3D MODELMotion paused
Results are also explained in the controlsNot to scale
YOUR EXPERIMENT
Reverse the flow, then make both pressures equal.
Set the pressure gradient
Pressure change per 100 km6.0 hPa
The pressure-gradient force points left to right, toward the lower pressure.
Air markers show the force’s direction. Their speed is illustrative; rotation and friction are omitted.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
The science behind the scene
A pressure difference produces a force toward lower pressure. A larger change over a shorter distance creates a stronger pressure-gradient force. Earth’s rotation and surface friction also shape real winds. This straight-line experiment isolates the pressure gradient; particle speed is illustrative and is not a wind-speed forecast.
National Weather Service · Pressure and windMAKE IT YOURS
Reverse the flow, then make both pressures equal.
Complete the experiment above to unlock.