|
|
|
Beaufort Wind Force Scale |
|
 |
E111 Beaufort Wind Force Scale
Accurately determine wind speed based only
on your own observations. This poster shows you
how.
Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort was a hydrographer
and top administrator in the British Navy. Sea captains
used different terms to describe wind conditions,
so in 1805, Beaufort established a standard
scale. It has continually evolved.
This poster cites the official description of each
wind force, but it goes beyond that to show how
wind impacts both land and sea. The dramatic
illustrations show increasingly powerful winds
and waves destroying a summer beach cottage
and tearing off large sections of the cliff, severely
eroding the shoreline. The terrifying sea conditions
really put the little sloop in harm’s way.
Knowledge of these visual standards makes
it possible for anyone to determine wind speed
based solely on observation, just like the master
mariners of yesteryear. This is the first time that
this important information has ever been presented
in such detail in any medium. It is an essential
reference chart for meteorologists, seamen, or
anyone else who wants or needs to know how to
identify weather conditions.
Admiral Beaufort’s original scale included sail
setting guidelines for British ships, so we followed
his example using a 40-foot sloop, typical of one
used by modern day recreational sailors. Insets
suggest sail settings, boat handling recommendations,
and safety precautions for each wind force.
As the wind force increases, the boat is really
battered. In fact, it is actually rolled over. If properly
ballasted and watertight, it will right itself. Of
course, the crew is badly shaken.
|
|
|
