<P> Wind is caused by differences in the atmospheric pressure . When a difference in atmospheric pressure exists , air moves from the higher to the lower pressure area , resulting in winds of various speeds . On a rotating planet , air will also be deflected by the Coriolis effect , except exactly on the equator . Globally , the two major driving factors of large - scale wind patterns ( the atmospheric circulation ) are the differential heating between the equator and the poles ( difference in absorption of solar energy leading to buoyancy forces ) and the rotation of the planet . Outside the tropics and aloft from frictional effects of the surface , the large - scale winds tend to approach geostrophic balance . Near the Earth 's surface , friction causes the wind to be slower than it would be otherwise . Surface friction also causes winds to blow more inward into low - pressure areas . </P>
<P> Wind is caused by differences in the atmospheric pressure . When a difference in atmospheric pressure exists , air moves from the higher to the lower pressure area , resulting in winds of various speeds . On a rotating planet , air will also be deflected by the Coriolis effect , except exactly on the equator . Globally , the two major driving factors of large - scale wind patterns ( the atmospheric circulation ) are the differential heating between the equator and the poles ( difference in absorption of solar energy leading to buoyancy forces ) and the rotation of the planet . Outside the tropics and aloft from frictional effects of the surface , the large - scale winds tend to approach geostrophic balance . Near the Earth 's surface , friction causes the wind to be slower than it would be otherwise . Surface friction also causes winds to blow more inward into low - pressure areas . </P>
what is the main source of energy for wind currents on earth
what is the main source of energy for wind currents on earth
differences in the atmospheric pressure
differences in the atmospheric pressure