
Wind Speed and Height Above Ground
Medium
Does wind blow faster the higher you go above the ground? You mount four anemometers (wind speed meters) on a single pole at 1, 2, 3, and 4 meters high. Then you plant the pole on an open hilltop.
Over three days, you count the turns each anemometer makes in one minute. The higher anemometers spin faster every time. This pattern shows how the ground slows wind through friction.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that the anemometer located at the highest point above the ground will measure the highest wind speed.
Science Concepts Learned
Friction
Friction is the force that slows things down when they rub against each other. In this experiment, you mount four anemometers on a single pole at 1, 2, 3, and 4 meters high. The higher anemometers spin faster every time, showing that wind closer to the ground is slowed more by friction.
Anemometer
The rate at which the cups spin reveals how friction with the ground slows the wind. Mounting four anemometers at different heights on a single pole shows this effect directly — the higher instruments spin faster every time. That pattern maps exactly how ground friction weakens wind closer to the surface.
Method & Materials
You will assemble four anemometers on a metal rod, plant it in the ground at a chosen location, and measure the number of turns made by the anemometer in one minute.
You will need four anemometers, one metal rod (measuring 5m in length), and one stopwatch.
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See what’s includedResults
The results show that the higher the anemometer is above the ground, the faster it will turn. This proves that the hypothesis is true.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it explores the relationship between wind speed and altitude, which is important for understanding wind turbulence and the performance of wind turbines.
Also Consider
Variations of this experiment include using wind socks positioned at various heights, and comparing the results obtained at different locations.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related videos
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
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