- Windsock
A windsock or wind cone is a conical
textile tube designed to indicatewind direction and relativewind speed . Windsocks typically are used atairport s and atchemical plant s where there is risk ofgas eousleak age. They are sometimes located alongsidehighway s 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 thecompass point from which the wind originates; so a windsock pointing duenorth indicates asouth erly wind). Windspeed is indicated by the windsock'sangle relative to the mountingpole ; in low winds, the windsock droops; in high winds it flies horizontally.Per FAA standards referenced below, a 15 knot (17
mph ) wind will fully extend the windsock. A 3 knot (3.5mph)breeze will cause the windsock to orient itself according to the wind.At many airports windsocks are lighted at
night , either byflood light s on top surrounding it or with one mounted on the pole shining inside it.Ornamental windsocks
Windsocks originated in China and Japan, where they were considered a symbol of good luck and longevity. On Children's Day they display traditional Japanese windsocks, or "
koinobori ".ee also
*
Anemometer - a device for measuring wind speed
*Weather vane - a device for indicating wind directionExternal links
* [http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/media/150-5345-27D/150_5345_27d.pdf FAA Specification for Wind Cone Assemblies] FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27D (PDF 447KB)
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