This article addresses how much energy is given up in the viscous processes of a thin sheet of turbulent fluid. The technique used to stir the soap film grabbed my attention. Is it possible that the electromagnetic emissions from the sun influence Earth’s winds in an analogous manner by acting on the naturally occurring ions in the atmosphere? This experiment, designed to study how winds exhaust their force, may give some insight into a possible input of energy that by its stirring nature could influence wind patterns. Of course, I could be all wet.

Francis E. Kent
Four Lakes, Wash.