Beaufort Scale
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The Beaufort Scale is a method for measuring wind speed by observing its effects on things like trees, buildings, and water rather than using instruments. It matters because it allows people without specialized equipment to estimate how strong the wind is and understand its potential impacts on their surroundings.
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Article
A ship in a force 12 ("hurricane-force") storm at sea, the highest rated on the Beaufort scale
The Beaufort scale (/ˈboʊfərt/ BOH-fərt) is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort wind force scale. It was devised in 1805 by Francis Beaufort, a hydrographer in the British Royal Navy. It was officially adopted by the Royal Navy and later spread internationally.