Wind Patterns...HELP!!!?

Question

People living near the coastlines generally experience variations in the wind from day to night. What are the factors that produce these changes in wind patterns?

Answer 1

Land tends to heat up more quickly than the ocean, because rock has a lower specific heat than water (ie, the oceans can absorb more heat than the land, without rising in temperature as much).  This causes the air above the land to heat up and rise; which in turn causes the air from the sea to move in to take its place. This is called a sea breeze, or Onshore wind.

This has become important in recent years, because relaible onshore winds are attractive sources of energy for wind farms.