What do you call the phenomenon when plants are uprooted by the wind?

The phenomenon when plants are uprooted by the wind is referred to as "Windthrow." This term specifically describes trees or plants being knocked over or uprooted due to strong winds. Windthrow typically occurs during storms or high-wind events, where the force of the wind exceeds the anchorage of the plant's root system, leading to its uprooting.

The other terms do not accurately describe this phenomenon. "Windchill" relates to the perceived decrease in temperature felt by exposed skin due to wind, and it does not pertain to the physical movement of plants. "Wind drift" usually refers to the movement of air and does not imply the uprooting of plants. "Wind stress" may describe the physiological effects on plants due to wind, such as damage to the stems or leaves, but it does not imply that the plants are uprooted. Thus, the term "Windthrow" closely aligns with the description of plants being uprooted by wind.