Beaufort scale for visual assessment of wind force. Beaufort scale - wind strength and sea conditions How many divisions does the Beaufort scale have?

In 1963, the World Meteorological Organization clarified Beaufort scale and it was adopted to approximate the speed of wind from its effect on objects on land or from waves on the open sea. Average wind speed is indicated at a standard height of 10 meters above an open, level surface.

The smoke (from the captain's pipe) rises vertically, the leaves of the trees are motionless. Mirror smooth sea.

Wind 0 - 0.2m/s

The smoke deviates from the vertical direction, there are slight ripples in the sea, there is no foam on the ridges. Wave height up to 0.1 m.

You can feel the wind on your face, the leaves rustle, the weather vane begins to move, and there are short waves at sea with a maximum height of up to 0.3 m.

Wind 1.6 - 3.3 m/s.

The leaves and thin branches of the trees are swaying, light flags are swaying, there is a slight disturbance on the water, and occasionally small whitecaps form.

Average wave height 0.6 m. Wind 3.4 - 5.4 m/s.

The wind raises dust and pieces of paper; Thin tree branches are swaying, whitecaps on the sea are visible in many places.

Maximum wave height up to 1.5 m. Wind 5.5 - 7.9 m/s.

Branches and thin tree trunks sway, you can feel the wind with your hand, white lambs are visible everywhere.

Maximum wave height 2.5 m, average - 2 m. Wind 8.0 - 10.7 m/s.

In this weather we tried to leave Baltic Sea from Darlowo. (Poland) against the wave. In 30 minutes only approx. 10km. and got very wet from the splashes. We were returning along the way - very good. funny.

Thick tree branches sway, thin trees bend, telephone wires hum, umbrellas are difficult to use; white foamy ridges occupy large areas, and water dust is formed. The maximum wave height is up to 4m, the average is 3m. Wind 10.8 - 13.8 m/s.

We encountered this kind of weather on boats in front of Rostock. The navigator was afraid to look around, the most valuable things were stuffed into his pockets, the walkie-talkie was tied to his vest. The splashes from the side waves constantly covered us. For a vodka-motor fleet, not to mention a simple motorboat, this is probably the maximum...

Tree trunks sway, large branches bend, it is difficult to walk against the wind, wave crests are torn off by the wind. The maximum wave height is up to 5.5 m. wind 13.9 - 17.1 m/s.

Thin and dry branches of trees break, it is impossible to speak in the wind, it is very difficult to walk against the wind. Strong seas.

Maximum wave height is up to 7.5 m, average - 5.5 m. Wind 17.2 - 20.7 m/s.

Bend big trees, the wind tears tiles from the roofs, very strong excitement at sea, high waves. It is observed very rarely. Accompanied by destruction over large areas. The sea has exceptionally high waves ( maximum height- up to 16m, average - 11.5m), small vessels are sometimes hidden from view.

Wind 28.5 - 32.6 m/s. Fierce storm.

The sea is all covered with stripes of foam. The air is filled with foam and spray. Visibility is very poor. Complete f...c for small vessels, yachts and other ships - it’s better not to hit them.

Wind 32.7 m/s or more...

Wind is a horizontal flow of air that differs in a number of specific characteristics: strength, direction and speed. It was to determine wind speed that the Irish admiral developed a special table at the beginning of the 19th century. The so-called Beaufort scale is still used today. What is the scale? How to use it correctly? And what does the Beaufort scale not allow you to determine?

What is wind?

Scientific definition this concept the following: wind is an air stream that moves in parallel earth's surface from high to low area atmospheric pressure. This phenomenon is characteristic not only of our planet. So, the strongest in solar system winds blow on Neptune and Saturn. AND earthly winds, in comparison, may seem like a light and very pleasant breeze.

The wind has always played an important role in human life. He inspired ancient writers to create mythical stories, legends and fairy tales. It was thanks to the wind that a person had the opportunity to overcome significant distances by sea (with the help of sailboats) and by air (by means of balloons). The wind is also involved in the “construction” of many earthly landscapes. Thus, it transports millions of grains of sand from place to place, thereby forming unique aeolian landforms: dunes, dunes and sand ridges.

At the same time, winds can not only create, but also destroy. Their gradient fluctuations can provoke a loss of control over the aircraft. Strong wind significantly expands the scope forest fires, and on large bodies of water it creates huge waves that destroy houses and kill people. This is why it is so important to study and measure wind.

Basic wind parameters

It is customary to distinguish four main parameters of wind: strength, speed, direction and duration. All of them are measured by special devices. The strength and speed of the wind are determined using a so-called anemometer, and the direction - using a weather vane.

Based on the duration parameter, meteorologists distinguish squalls, breezes, storms, hurricanes, typhoons and other types of winds. The direction of the wind is determined by the side of the horizon from which it blows. For convenience, they are abbreviated with the following Latin letters:

• N (northern).
• S (south).
• W (western).
• E (east).
• C (calm).

Finally, wind speed is measured at a height of 10 meters using anemometers or special radars. Moreover, the duration of such measurements is different countries the world is not the same. For example, at American meteorological stations the average speed of air flows is taken into account in 1 minute, in India - in 3 minutes, and in many European countries- in 10 minutes. The classic tool for presenting data on wind speed and strength is the so-called Beaufort scale. How and when did it appear?

Who is Francis Beaufort?

Francis Beaufort (1774-1857) - Irish sailor, naval admiral and cartographer. He was born in the small town of An Uavy in Ireland. After graduating from school, the 12-year-old boy continued his studies under the leadership of the famous Professor Usher. During this period, he first showed extraordinary ability to study “marine sciences”. As a teenager he entered the service of the East India Company and accepted Active participation in filming the Java Sea.

It should be noted that Francis Beaufort grew up to be a rather brave and courageous guy. Thus, during the shipwreck in 1789, the young man showed great dedication. Having lost all his food and personal belongings, he managed to save valuable tools teams. In 1794, Beaufort took part in a naval battle against the French and heroically towed a ship that was hit by enemy fire.

Development of the wind scale

Francis Beaufort was extremely hardworking. Every day he woke up at five o'clock in the morning and immediately got to work. Beaufort was a significant authority among military men and sailors. However, he gained worldwide fame thanks to his unique development. While still a midshipman, the inquisitive young man kept a daily diary of weather observations. Later, all these observations helped him create a special wind scale. In 1838 it was officially approved by the British Admiralty.

One of the seas, an island in Antarctica, a river and a cape in northern Canada are named after the famous scientist and cartographer. Francis Beaufort also became famous for creating a polyalphabetic military cipher, which also received his name.

Beaufort scale and its features

The scale represents the earliest classification of winds according to their strength and speed. It was developed based on meteorological observations in open sea conditions. Initially, the classical Beaufort wind scale is twelve-point. Only in the middle of the twentieth century was it expanded to 17 levels so that hurricane-force winds could be distinguished.

Wind strength on the Beaufort scale is determined by two criteria:

1. According to its effect on various ground objects and objects.
2. According to the degree of roughness of the open sea.

It is important to note that the Beaufort scale does not allow you to determine the duration and direction of air flows. It contains a detailed classification of winds according to their strength and speed.

Beaufort scale: table for sushi

Below is a table with detailed description the effects of wind on ground objects and objects. The scale, developed by the Irish scientist F. Beaufort, consists of twelve levels (points).

Beaufort Table of Sea State

In oceanography there is such a thing as the state of the sea. It includes the height, frequency and strength of sea waves. Below is the Beaufort scale (table), which will help determine the strength and speed of the wind based on these signs.

Thus, thanks to the Beaufort scale, people can observe the wind and estimate its strength. This makes it possible to make the maximum accurate forecasts weather.

Beaufort scale - a conventional scale that allows you to visually assess the approximate strength of the wind by its effect on ground objects or by waves at sea. Developed by the English admiral and hydrographer Francis Beaufort. Francis Beaufort) in 1806.

Since 1874, it has been officially adopted for use in international synoptic practice. Since 1926, the Beaufort scale has been supplemented by the wind force in meters per second at a height of 10 meters from the surface. In the USA, in addition to the international 12-point scale, since 1955 a scale expanded to 17 points has been used, used for more accurate gradation of hurricane winds.

BEAUFORT SCALE, a conventional scale for visually assessing the strength (speed) of the wind in points based on its effect on ground objects or on sea waves. English was developed. adm. F. Beaufort in 1805. In 1874 Permanent Committee of the 1st Meteorological. Congress adopted B. sh. for use in international synoptic practice. In subsequent years, B. sh. changed and clarified. In 1963 World Meteorological. The organization adopted the B. sh., shown in the table. B. sh. widely used in marine navigation.

* At a standard height of 10 m above an open, level surface.

Beaufort scale- a conventional scale for visually assessing the strength (speed) of the wind in points based on its effect on ground objects or on sea waves. It was developed by the English admiral F. Beaufort in 1806 and at first was used only by him. In 1874, the Standing Committee of the First Meteorological Congress adopted the Beaufort scale for use in international synoptic practice. In subsequent years, the scale was changed and refined. The Beaufort scale is widely used in maritime navigation.