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How to accurately measure wind speed? Explore the mystery behind modern high-tech instruments!
The measurement of wind speed plays a crucial role in meteorology.It not only affects weather forecasts, but also involves aviation, navigation, construction engineering, and the growth and metabolism of a variety of plants.Usually, we use an anemometer to measure wind speed.With the advancement of high technology, modern wind speed measurement methods have become increasingly advanced and diversified.
Definition and unit of wind speed
Wind speed, that is, wind flow rate, is caused by the movement of air moving from high pressure to low pressure areas.According to World Meteorological Organization specifications, the SI unit of wind speed is meters per second (m/s), which is widely used in Nordic weather forecasts.In addition, units such as Mach, km/h, and mile per hour (mph) have also been used historically.
Factors affecting wind speed
Wind speed is affected by a variety of factors, and the operating scales range from micro to macro.These include air pressure gradient, Rosby wave, jet and local weather conditions.
"A air pressure gradient refers to the air pressure difference between two points in the atmosphere, which is crucial to wind speed, because a larger pressure difference makes the wind flow faster."
Under the influence of the air pressure gradient, accompanied by the Coriolis effect and friction, the direction of the wind also changes.Rosby waves are strong winds located in the upper troposphere, which flow westward and whose wind speed is different from that of the lower troposphere.Local weather conditions such as hurricanes, monsoons and cyclones will significantly change wind speed.
Wind speed measurement tool
Anemometer is one of the main tools used to measure wind speed.A traditional anemometer consists of a vertical column and three to four concave cups that capture the horizontal movement of air particles.Modern technology includes ultrasonic wind sensors, which still provide accurate wind speed measurements without maintenance.
"Ultrasonic wind sensors use high-frequency sound waves to measure wind speed, and these sensors are more durable because they have no moving parts."
The transmitters in these sensors continuously emit high-frequency sound, and the electronic circuit measures the time difference between the sound from the transmitter to the receiver.According to the direction and speed of the wind, the speed of sound propagation will vary, so that the wind speed will be calculated.
Record of extreme wind speed
In the absence of related tornado events, the fastest wind speed occurred in tropical cyclone Olivia on April 10, 1996, with the maximum wind speed measured on Barrow Island, Australia was 113.3 meters per second (408 km/h).
"The mechanical condition of this record anemometer is good and is determined to be statistically reasonable."
In the conditions related to tornados, the method of detecting wind speed using mobile bucket Bol radar is relatively advanced technology, which allows researchers to obtain data on wind speed in severe climates.
Structural design considerations
Wind speed is also a major consideration in structure and architectural design.In the United States, the "3-second sudden wind" standard is often followed in design, which is the highest continuous wind speed value with a 1/50 chance of being surpassed each year.This design wind speed is accepted by most building regulations.
"The measurement and analysis of wind speed is not only crucial to the stability of the building, but may also affect public safety."
With the advancement of technology, many new measurement technologies and design standards have been continuously proposed, aiming to improve the accuracy of wind speed measurement and the wind resistance of the building.
Now, with the development and application of wind speed measurement technology becoming more and more extensive, is there any possibility of more innovative and effective wind speed measurement solutions in the future?
