Any one of a class of diagrams designed to show the distribution of wind direction experienced at a given location over a considerable period; it thus shows the prevailing wind direction.
The most common form consists of a circle from which eight or sixteen lines emanate, one for each compass point. The length of each line is proportional to the frequency of wind from that direction, and the frequency of calm conditions is entered in the center. Many variations exist; some indicate the range of wind speeds from each direction; some relate wind directions with other weather occurrences.
Compare resultant wind, Lambert's formula.
