Editing Wind speed (section)

==Factors affecting wind speed==
Wind speed is affected by a number of factors and situations, operating on varying scales (from micro to macro scales). These include the [[pressure gradient]], [[Rossby wave]]s, [[jet stream]]s, and local weather conditions. There are also links to be found between wind speed and [[wind direction]], notably with the pressure gradient and terrain conditions.

The '''Pressure gradient''' describes the difference in air pressure between two points in the atmosphere or on the surface of the Earth. It is vital to wind speed, because the greater the difference in pressure, the faster the wind flows (from the high to low pressure) to balance out the variation. The pressure gradient, when combined with the [[Coriolis effect]] and [[friction]], also influences [[wind direction]].

'''Rossby waves''' are strong winds in the upper [[troposphere]]. These operate on a global scale and move from west to east (hence being known as [[westerlies]]). The Rossby waves are themselves a different wind speed from that experienced in the lower [[troposphere]].

'''Local weather conditions''' play a key role in influencing wind speed, as the formation of [[hurricanes]], [[monsoon]]s, and [[cyclones]] as freak weather conditions can drastically affect the flow velocity of the wind.{{Citation Needed | date= April 2021}}