10.9: Beaufort Wind Force Scale and Wave Interference Patterns
- Page ID
- 10313
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Beaufort Wind Force Scale (Wind Velocity, Wave Height, and Sea Conditions)
The Beaufort wind force scale relates wind speed (velocity) to observed conditions at sea (including wave height) or impact of features on land. It is a numbered scale from 0 to 12 to describe sea conditions and wave size. The Beaufort Scale was developed by Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort 1774-1857, an officer in Britain's Royal Navy). Zero 0 on the Beaufort scale represents the calmest of seas (the water is so smooth that it looks like glass). A 12 on the Beaufort scale represents hurricane force waves (Figure 10.21).
Figure 10.21. Beaufort Wind Force Scale for sea conditions (and on land).
Wave Interference Patterns
Wave interference occurs where waves from different sources collide (Figures 10-22 and 10-23).
- Constructive wave interference occurs where waves come together in phase or crest meets another crest (or trough meets another trough).
- Destructive wave interference: Waves come together out of phase or crest meets a trough.
