Final answer:
Wind is created by differences in air pressure resulting from the uneven heating of Earth's atmosphere, affected by Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) and surface friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wind is primarily caused by differences in air pressure due to the uneven heating of the Earth's atmosphere. When air is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, creating an area of low pressure. Cooler air is denser and creates an area of high pressure. Wind moves from regions of higher pressure to regions of lower pressure to even out these differences. This movement of air is subjected to the Coriolis effect, which is due to the Earth's rotation, causing moving air to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, friction with the Earth's surface slows wind down. Overall, this process contributes to the various weather patterns and systems we observe, such as tropical cyclones and low-pressure systems, which can form clouds and instigate weather events.