Windsock
A windsock is a conical textile tube designed to indicate wind direction and relative wind speed. Windsocks typically are used at airports and at chemical plants where there is risk of gaseous leakage. They are sometimes located alongside highways at windy locations.
Wind direction is the opposite of the direction in which the windsock is pointing (note that wind directions are conventionally specified as being the compass point from which the wind originates; so a windsock pointing due north indicates a southerly wind). Windspeed is indicated by the windsock's angle relative to the mounting pole; in low winds, the windsock droops; in high winds it flies horizontally.
Per FAA standards referenced below, a 15-knot (28 km/h; 17 mph) wind will fully extend the properly functioning windsock. A 3-knot (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) breeze will cause the properly functioning windsock to orient itself according to the wind.
At many airports, windsocks are lighted at night, either by flood lights on top surrounding it or with one mounted on the pole shining inside it.
Windsocks are also popular with children and can have bright and colourful designs. These windsocks are not particularly functional and mostly for decoration, however they can be used as a basic guide to wind direction and speed.
[edit] See also
- Anemometer - a device for measuring wind speed
- Weather vane - a device for indicating wind direction
- Air sock
- Koinobori - Japanese decorative carp-shaped windsocks
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Windsocks |
- FAA Specification for Wind Cone Assemblies FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27D (PDF 447KB)
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