Õhuliikumine

Õhuliikumine refers to the movement of air, a fundamental phenomenon in meteorology and atmospheric science. It is primarily driven by differences in atmospheric pressure. Air naturally flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, a process that creates wind. These pressure gradients are established due to uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun.

Solar radiation heats the Earth's surface unevenly, leading to variations in air temperature. Warmer air is less dense and rises, creating areas of lower pressure at the surface. Conversely, cooler air is denser and sinks, resulting in areas of higher pressure. This difference in pressure initiates the horizontal movement of air, known as wind.

Several factors influence the direction and speed of õhuliikumine. The Earth's rotation (the Coriolis effect) deflects moving air, causing winds to curve. Friction with the Earth's surface also plays a role, slowing down winds near the ground. Local geographical features like mountains and coastlines can further modify air movement, creating unique wind patterns. Understanding õhuliikumine is crucial for weather forecasting, climate studies, and understanding phenomena such as storms and air pollution dispersion.