COLUMBIA, S.C. — This week, the Midlands saw near 30 mile per hour howling winds. This noise is actually called Aeolian tones.
The definition is: “sound produced by wind when it encounters an obstacle and causes friction.”
Friction produces sound waves which can shrink or expand depending upon the noise. Winds will produce a variety of sounds because of the different environmental objects around.
Stronger winds create different noises, like a whistle or howling sound. These sounds can be heard especially well during the winter months. This is because during summer time, the leaves on trees absorb sound, but when the trees are bare, like in the winter, sound waves can travel much further.
Next time you’re outside try to listen to the sounds around you. You may be able to hear the wind’s different noises.