Which Way Does the Wind Blow?
ES1806  Wind on Oahu

Astronauts aboard space shuttles took these pictures of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Though no one can see the wind, these pictures provide visible clues as to which way the prevailing wind blows over the island.

  !   Click each image to see a larger view. Examine the images for clues about wind direction, then answer the questions below.


1. Make a prediction: Which way do you think the wind blows over Oahu?
(Remember: Wind direction is always described with the direction from which it blows. For example, a wind blowing from west to east is called a west wind.)

2. What evidence did you use to make your prediction?

3. Describe the pattern of vegetation you see on Oahu. In which areas are plants concentrated? Which areas are bare or have little vegetation?

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