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How to Find Wind Speed by Dropping Dirt

Understanding how to determine the speed of the wind by using dry, loose dirt can help you know when it is best to do many outdoor activities such as dirt biking, mountain climbing and surfing. Not only will you be able to estimate the speed of the wind, you will also know the direction it is blowing. Although you will not be able to obtain the exact speed, you can identify from dropping dirt when it is too windy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a large handful of loose, dry dirt that you can scoop up easily. You can also use fine sand if you cannot find any dirt.

    • 2

      Hold the dirt in a fist at shoulder height, about 5 feet off of the ground.

    • 3

      Slowly open the bottom of the fist and release the soil gradually.

    • 4

      Observe the direction in which the particles of dirt blow and the angle at which the particles fall. The sharper the angle, the harder the wind is blowing. If the dirt falls straight to the ground, there is very little wind and you can do whatever you like. However, if the dirt blows right out of your hand as it is released, it is likely too windy for surfing, kite flying or climbing. Between these two extremes, you can determine how fast the wind is blowing by how far away the dirt lands when you drop it. The further away it goes, the windier it is.

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