Windsocks, Wind Vanes; Instruments Used to Determine Wind Direction

Windsocks and wind vanes both show the direction the wind is blowing. Though extensive information about the wind direction and speed can be collected from weather stations, these instruments give first-hand knowledge of wind direction. 

Over the years, the information provided by wind wanes and windsocks remains vital to pilots, ship captains, fishers, and even farmers. For example, farmers traditionally rely on wind vanes to aid in weather prediction. Pilots check windsocks before taking off and landing to see how to adjust their controls for wind. 

Windsocks

Windsocks are often attached to a windsock pole, constructed of fabric and have a cone shape. Wind flows into the wide part and leaves from the narrow part. The narrow end points away from where the wind is blowing. When the wind's narrow end is pointing north, it means the wind is blowing from the south. 

Windsocks also determine wind speeds. In a strong breeze, the windsock flies almost horizontally to the ground. For a mild one, it can extend at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Under calm conditions, the windsock flag drops next to the windsock pole.

Wind Vanes

Wind vanes have a type of arrow that rotates freely on top of a vertical rod and are usually mounted on top of barns or houses. As the wind direction changes, the point of the arrow also changes. The arrow points whichever direction the wind is blowing. 

Wind vanes can use simple arrows or more elaborate handcrafted arrow-shaped objects. These craftings can be eagles, fish, metal trotting horses, ships, or roosters that sit atop needles to indicate wind direction. 

Wind vanes are similar to windsocks. But instead of a sock, wind vanes have a horizontal pole placed on a vertical one. The poles are made such that they can move independently of their base. The horizontal pole has a flattened or broad vertical end that reacts to wind. 

When the wind blows on this broadside, it causes the pole to rotate. When the pole turns to a position parallel to the wind's direction, the flattened end also comes to a parallel position, and the wind moves through unhindered.

Instruments Used to Determine Wind Direction

There are various tools available to determine the direction of the wind. They help assess weather patterns or measure current conditions. Apart from windsocks and wind vanes earlier mentioned, here are two other instruments. 

Pinwheels

A pinwheel is a windmill-style turbine that spins perpendicularly to the wind affecting it. As seen in windsocks and wind vanes, a pinwheel also has a rotating base. This is to let the pinwheel change direction with the wind spinning and facing the oncoming wind.

Anemometers

The tools mentioned above mostly show wind direction and provide a quite rough measure of wind intensity; anemometers can effectively measure wind speed. Professional anemometers are more advanced and computer-aided, measuring and recording wind patterns over time. 

At Aerosock Inc, our windsocks are of quality, reliable, and we guarantee your safety. So whether you are an airport, a chemical facility or plant, we provide you the best windsocks for sale.