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Windsock

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A windsock is a large, conical, tube designed to indicate wind direction and relative wind speed. Windsocks typically are used at airports and in chemical plants in which there is risk of gaseous leakage. They are sometimes located alongside highways at windy locations.

Wind direction is the opposite of the direction in which the windsock is pointing (note that wind directions are conventionally specified as being the compass point from which the wind originates; so a windsock pointing due north indicates a southerly wind). Windspeed is indicated by the windsock's angle relative to the mounting pole; in low winds, the windsock droops; in high winds it flies horizontally. Per FAA standards referenced below, a 15 knot (17mph) wind will fully extend the windsock. A 3 knot (3.5mph) breeze will cause the windsock to orient itself into the wind.

Also called a wind sock or wind cone.

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de:Windsack

fr:manche à air nl:Windzak no:Vindpølse pl:Rękaw (wskaźnik wiatru)


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