Beaufort Scale

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-002924",
  "term": "Beaufort Scale",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A scale of wind strength based on visual assessment of the effects of wind on seas and vegetation.\n\n2. Scale of wind forces, described by name and range of velocity, and classified from force 0 to 12, with an extension to 17. The initial (1805) Francis Beaufort wind force scale of 13 classes (0 to 12) did not reference wind speed numbers but related qualitative wind conditions to effects on the sails of a frigate, then the main ship of the Royal Navy, from \"just sufficient to give steerage\" to \"that which no canvas sails could withstand.\" Although the Beaufort scale has little use in site assessments, a system of tree flagging observations has been used to estimate prevailing wind directions and levels on the scale over time.",
  "references": [
    "DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Climate Research Facility Glossary",
    "DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Small Wind Guidebook Glossary at https://windexchange.energy.gov/small-wind-guidebook"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/beaufort-scale/"
}