What are the primary factors that influence the strength and direction of wind?

The strength and direction of wind are influenced by a number of factors, including pressure gradients, the Coriolis effect, and surface roughness. Pressure gradients are one of the most important factors affecting wind strength and direction. They occur because air naturally flows from high pressure to low pressure. The greater the difference in pressure between two areas, the stronger the wind will be.

The Coriolis effect is another important factor. It causes wind to curve as it moves across the Earth's surface. This is because the Earth rotates on its axis, which causes moving objects to appear to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Surface roughness is also a factor that affects wind strength and direction. The surface roughness of an area determines how much friction there is between the air and the ground. Rough surfaces, such as mountains, forests, and cities, create more friction than smooth surfaces, such as oceans or grasslands. This friction can cause the wind to slow down or change direction.