Wind

Wind is a form of solar energy. The sun’s radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates—most notably during the day and night—influenced by the shape of earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. The result is wind. Wind energy is the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.