What effect does ground friction have on wind?

Ground friction plays a significant role in the behavior of wind near the Earth's surface. As wind passes over the ground, it interacts with various surfaces, such as grass, asphalt, or obstacles like buildings and trees. This friction slows down the wind speed near the ground compared to the wind speed at higher altitudes, where there is less surface interaction.

As the wind encounters these surfaces, the friction forces reduce the kinetic energy of the wind, leading to a decrease in its speed close to the ground. This phenomenon is particularly important for pilots to understand, as the difference in wind speed at different altitudes can significantly affect takeoffs and landings, impacting aircraft performance and control. Therefore, the knowledge that ground friction decreases wind speed near the ground is crucial for safe flying operations.