vinddrift

Vinddrift is the horizontal displacement of a body, substance, or signal caused by wind, typically referring to the effects of a crosswind. The term originates from Dutch, with vind meaning wind and drift meaning drift or deviation; in English texts it is often rendered as wind drift or crosswind drift.

In meteorology and environmental science, wind drift describes the transport and spreading of airborne particles such as pollen, seeds, dust, smoke, or pollutants. Drift depends on wind speed and direction, particle size and density, atmospheric stability, and turbulence. Models of wind drift are used to predict plume behavior, seed dispersal patterns, and implications for air quality and ecological impact.

In ballistics and firearms, crosswind drift refers to the lateral deviation of a projectile caused by a crosswind component. The drift increases with wind speed and flight time, and is commonly estimated by multiplying the crosswind speed by the time of flight to obtain a lateral miss distance.

In aviation, wind drift affects an aircraft’s ground track during takeoff, cruise, and landing, requiring corrective control inputs to maintain the intended course.

Ecologically, wind drift influences gene flow and crop distribution through the movement of pollen and seeds, contributing to patterns of plant colonization and genetic diversity.

See also: crosswind, drift angle, wind shear, advection.