If a jumper falls for one minute through upper winds averaging 30mph from the west, how far will the jumper drift?

To determine how far a jumper drifts due to upper winds during a freefall, it’s important to consider the speed of the wind and the time spent falling. In this scenario, the wind speed is 30 mph, and the jumper falls for one minute.

Wind affects the jumper's horizontal movement as they descend. In one minute, which is 1/60 of an hour, the jumper will drift a distance equal to the wind speed multiplied by the time of descent.

To calculate the drift:

1. Wind speed = 30 miles per hour.
2. Time falling = 1 minute = 1/60 hours.

Now, multiply the wind speed by the time to get the drift:

Drift = 30 miles/hour * (1/60 hour) = 0.5 miles.

Converting 0.5 miles to a more relatable measurement gives us 1/2 mile, making this the correct answer. Understanding this calculation is critical for jumper awareness related to wind conditions, as knowing how far one may drift while falling can impact landing accuracy and safety.