WIND STRENGTH

Brad SmithHolli Wright

How do we measure wind strength?

• Wind strength strength is measured by a device called an anemometer.– There are two types of anemometers, those that

measure wind velocity and those that measure wind pressure.

The Cup Anemometer

• The cup anemometer is used for wind speed.

• This anemometer works when wind blows and catches into one or more of the hollows in the cups. This forces the anemometer to spin on the pole. Allowing us to read our data.

Units of wind strength

• Wind strength is measured in knots and km/h, but can be converted into mph

• On most anemometers it shows these units on a scale called the Beaufort Scale.

The Beaufort Scale

• The Beaufort Scale measures wind speed on a scale from 0 to 12. Zero being 1 km/h (calm winds) and 12 being 118 km/h or higher (hurricane winds).

• This scale is used to describe the effect that wind has on the surface of the water as well as on a range of everyday land objects.