Mochi Isle
Wind · Rainbow CloudtopScience for kidsWhat makes the wind blow?
In short: Wind is moving air. The Sun heats the Earth unevenly, so air pressure is higher in some places and lower in others. Air flows from high pressure towards low pressure, and that flow is wind.
How it works
Sunlight warms land and sea by different amounts. Where air is heated, it rises and the air pressure (the push of the air above) drops. Where air is cooler, it sinks and the pressure is higher. Like people spilling out of a crowded room, air rushes from high pressure towards low.
The bigger the difference in pressure, the stronger the wind. At the coast on a sunny day, land heats up faster than the sea, so a cool sea breeze blows onshore. At night the land cools faster, and the breeze often reverses, blowing out to sea.
Winds are named after where they come from, so a northerly blows from the north. Airports often fly orange-and-white windsocks so pilots can check the wind. The tail points the way the wind is going, and the straighter it stands out, the stronger the wind.
Where to see it in New Zealand
Wellington is famous for its wind, earning the nickname 'Windy Wellington'. Cook Strait, the gap between the North and South Islands, acts like a funnel that squeezes the wind and speeds it up. In New Zealand, a southerly blows up from the cold Southern Ocean and often brings a chilly change.
Try it together
Make a simple windsock by tying a ribbon or a strip of plastic bag to a stick or fence. Check it morning, noon and evening, and use a compass or compass app to record which way it flies. Then work out where the wind is coming from.
Kids also ask
Does a southerly blow towards the south?
No, the opposite. A southerly comes from the south. In New Zealand, southerlies blow up from the cold Southern Ocean, so temperatures can drop quickly, while northerlies are often warmer.
Why is it often windier at the beach?
The sea is flat and open, with no trees or buildings to slow the wind down. On sunny days, the difference between warm land and cooler sea can add a sea breeze as well. Pack a windproof jacket.
In the game, “Wind” is a nature card on Rainbow Cloudtop.
Your child finds this card by reaching the right place or meeting the right weather on the island, and lights it up by answering the question on the back. Tap the button below and the game shows your child which island it is on and how to find it. Mochi Isle is a browser learning game for ages 5 to 18; the main island and the daily lesson are free.
Find “Wind” on the island ↗ All cards from Rainbow Cloudtop