"He shall blow upon them and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble."—Isaiah xl.
674. What determines the character of winds?
The character of winds is influenced by the condition of the surfaces over which they blow. Winds blowing over dry and arid plains and deserts are dry and hot. Winds blowing across snow-capped mountains and regions of ice are cold. Winds that cross oceans are wet; and those that cross extensive continents are dry.
675. What winds are most prevalent in England?
In England out of a thousand days, north winds prevail in 82; north-east, 111; east, 99; south-east, 81; south, 111; south-west, 225; west, 171; north-west, 120.
676. What is the cause of storms?
Storms result from violent commotions of the atmosphere, and are chiefly the result of extreme changes of temperature.
The magnetic state of the earth, and the electrical state of the atmosphere, also materially influence the phenomena of storms.
By some persons the theory is entertained that storms result from various winds rushing into a centre in which the atmosphere has become extremely condensed. According to this theory, a storm is a mighty whirlwind.