It is kinetic energy of each molecule that moves the the air. The particles
are just bouncing off other particles in a radom fashion. The low pressure
area has fewer molecules to run into (and bounce back towards the higher
pressure) so the molecules generally move towards the low pressure. Thus
it is the high pressure driving the air.

Mike
MU-2


"Bob Gardner" wrote in message
...
Well, air rises at a low pressure center (that's why the pressure is low).
Nature abhors a vacuum, so air must move in to replace the air that has
risen. It's sure not being pushed by an outside force.

Conversely, air descends at a high pressure center. It can't continue to
descend once it hits the surface, so it moves away, rotating clockwise in
the northern hemisphere. In this case, there certainly is a push...by the
weight of the descending air. Pretty basic stuff.

Bob Gardner

"Nick" wrote in message
...
Is it drawn by low pressure or pushed by higher pressure?
I believe this typifies the glass half empty or half full issue.



Bob Gardner wrote:
Both. Air is drawn inward to a low pressure area and then rises, so you
could say that it is being sucked. OTOH, air descending at a high
pressure center flows outward, so you could say it is being pushed.

Bob Gardner

"john smith" wrote in message
...

Probably been asked before, but I'm too lazy to google it.
Is wind caused by being "pushed" (blown) or "pulled" (sucked)?