Wind Gradient - Simple Explanation

Simple Explanation

Surface friction forces the surface wind to slow and turn near the surface of the Earth, blowing directly towards the low pressure, when compared to the winds in the nearly frictionless flow well above the Earth's surface. This layer, where surface friction slows the wind and changes the wind direction, is known as the planetary boundary layer. Daytime solar heating due to insolation thickens the boundary layer as winds at the surface become increasingly mixed with winds aloft. Radiative cooling overnight decouples the winds at the surface from the winds above the boundary layer, increasing vertical wind shear near the surface, also known as wind gradient.

Read more about this topic:  Wind Gradient

Famous quotes containing the words simple and/or explanation:

    How many desolate creatures on the earth
    Have learnt the simple dues of fellowship
    And social comfort, in a hospital.
    Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)

    There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.
    George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)