Why is wind faster at higher altitudes?

Question

Does it have something to do with the pressure or temperature? I think there are two reasons.

Answer 1

The fall of pressure with height is very rapid at the poles  than at the equator due to increasing temperature difference with height.This means the pressure gradient towards the poles also increases with height.So,the winds will also become stronger with height and blows from west keeping the low pressure on the left in the northern hemisphere and towards the right  in the southern hemisphere.Thus the westerly  winds prevail at higher altitudes in both the hemispheres and they become stronger with height.

In short,as the fall of pressure with height ,at very great heights, is enormous at the poles than at the equator,the winds  continue to remain strong and  and are always blowing from west.

Answer 2

The wind is created by temperature but i dont think that is what it is... its the jet streams up there... nothing slows the wind down so it is un inhibited flowing... thats just my guess not fact

Answer 3

As a light aircraft pilot, I can confirm that, indeed, the wind is usually stronger with altitude. The main reason is that the resistance of the ground slows down the wind.

Here is an old seafarer trick: If you stand on land, with the wind blowing from behind and you see the clouds coming from your left hand, then a low pressure is moving toward you! (note: this is for the northern hemisphere only).

The reason is that around a low pressure, the wind turns counter clockwise (northern hemisphere!) But near the ground, it blows slower because of the drag of the obstacles on the surface and it turns more toward the center of the low pressure.

The jet streams are also very high speed winds that can be thought of as a kind of horizontal tornado that follows the kink in the tropopause between the polar air and temperate air front. Those are not 'normal' wind patterns but something that comes with the earth rotation and the Coriolis effect, only at certain latitudes.

Answer 4

Wind speed is a reflection of the air pressure gradients. Air moves from high pressure areas to low pressure areas, and the greater the difference, the greater the winds.

Aside from pressure gradients, there are two additional factors that influence wind speed in the atmosphere. First, you must consider the density of the air. Density and velocity are inversely related. As density decreases, velocity increases. Imagine trying to push a box car full of coal - it would be difficult. The coal is very dense, and a lot of effort would be required. Now imagine pushing a box car full of cotton candy. Even though the volumes are the same, the cotton candy, being less dense than the coal, will be easier to push. Now relate this to the air. Since the air is less dense at higher altitudes, it is easier to push, which means that wind speeds increase.

Second, you must consider friction. If you are standing in an open area with few trees or buildings around (low friction), will the wind have the opportunity to generate a strong force? How about if you are standing in the middle of a forest? Friction is another factor that contributes to wind speed.