Geography of weather records. The main winds of different strengths that you need to know (5 photos)

As a result of the pressure difference between two different air areas the wind arises. The speed and direction of its movement can vary depending on pressure indicators in time and space. In most areas of the planet, certain wind directions dominate. So, at the poles they prevail easterly winds, V temperate latitudes- Western. Along with such areas, there are also calm zones and anomalous areas where the wind blows constantly.

Strong winds can also occur due to local changes like a confrontation between a cyclone and an anticyclone. Based on the effect of wind on land objects and waves at sea, wind strength is assessed in points on the Beaufort scale. Depending on how fast the wind blows, each wind force has its own verbal definition.

Wind speed: 1-5 km/h

From 0 to 1 point

Calm is windless or almost windless weather, in which the maximum wind speed is no more than 0.5 m/s. When a calm wind blows, light ripples appear on the sea. On land, with such a wind, the smoke deviates from the vertical direction.
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Light, weak, moderate, fresh

Wind speed: 12-38 km/h

From 2 to 5 points

Wind from force 2 is classified as light. It can sway the leaves of trees, its breath can be felt on the skin. At 3 points, weak wind, branches and flags begin to sway, and short but pronounced waves appear on the sea. Moderate wind, which is rated 4 points, raises dust, blurs the outlines of smoke and creates whitecaps on the water. A fresh force 5 wind is capable of shaking thin trunks, causing a whistle in the ears and forming waves up to 2 meters high.

Strong, tough and very tough

Wind speed: from 39 to 61 km/h

From 6 to 8 points

A strong wind of force 6 usually prevents you from opening an umbrella. He can easily bend thin trees and swing thick branches. The height of the waves reaches 3 meters. It is difficult to go against a strong wind, which is estimated at 7 points. It will be even more difficult to do this if there is a very strong wind outside the window. It is also very difficult to speak in such a wind.

Storm

Wind speed: 75 to 88 km/h

From 9 to 11 points

The storm can be ordinary, strong and cruel. If an ordinary person just rips tiles from roofs and bends big trees, then its older “brothers” can destroy buildings, uproot trees and raise a wave 11 meters high.

Hurricane

Wind speed: more than 117 km/h

The hurricane literally destroys everything that gets in its way. Wind gusts can reach 50-60 m/sec. The wind can easily lift heavy objects into the air and carry them over considerable distances, sink ships and destroy monumental buildings.

Records

The strongest gust of wind in history was recorded in 1934 at Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA. For several minutes the wind blew at a speed of 123 m/s. The most windy place Commonwealth Bay in Antarctica is considered on the planet. There the wind blows constantly, and its speed reaches 240 km/h.

A typical way to present wind data is through atlases and wind maps. These atlases are usually compiled for climatological research and may contain both average speed, and by the relative frequency of winds of each speed in the region. Typically, the atlas contains hourly averages measured at a height of 10 m and averaged over decades.

Other wind mapping standards are used for individual needs. Thus, for the needs of wind energy, measurements are carried out at a height exceeding 10 m, usually 30-100 m, and the data are presented in the form of average specific power of the wind flow.

Maximum wind speed

The highest wind gust speed on Earth (at a standard height of 10 m) was recorded automatically meteorological station in Australian Barrow Island during Cyclone Olivia in 1996. It was 113 m/s. The second highest wind gust speed is 103 m/s. It was received on April 12, 1932 at the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire. Velocities can be high during phenomena such as tornadoes, but their accurate measurement is very difficult and reliable data for them does not exist.

The highest wind gust speed in Ukraine was recorded in December 1947 on Mt. It was 50 m/s.

Wind speed gradient

Wind gradient is the difference in wind speed on a small scale, most often in a direction perpendicular to its movement. The wind gradient is divided into vertical and horizontal components, of which the horizontal component has a noticeably nonzero value along atmospheric fronts and near the coast, and vertical - near the surface, although zones of significant wind gradient different directions also found in high layers of the atmosphere along high-altitude current flows. Wind gradient is a micrometeorological phenomenon of significance only over short distances, but it can be associated with weather events meso- and synoptic meteorology, such as squall lines or atmospheric fronts. Significant wind gradients are often observed near thunderstorm-driven micro-waves, in areas of strong local surface winds - low-level jet streams, near mountains, buildings, wind turbines and ships.

Wind gradient has a significant impact on landing and takeoff aircraft, on the one hand, it can help reduce the take-off distance of the aircraft, and on the other hand, it complicates control of the aircraft. Wind gradient is the cause significant amount aircraft accidents.

Wind gradient also affects propagation sound waves in the air, can be reflected from atmospheric fronts and reach places they would not otherwise reach, or vice versa. Strong wind gradients prevent the development of tropical cyclones, but increase the duration of individual grizzlies. Special shape wind gradient - thermal wind - leads to the formation of high-altitude current flows.

Mount Washington Summit and Weather Observatory– New Hampshire

Mount Washington Observatory. During the hurricane on April 12, 1934, instrumental wind speeds were recorded at 231 miles per hour (approximately 370 km/h).

Mount Washington- the most high mountain in the northeastern region of the United States with an altitude of 1,917 meters. The mountain is known for its dangerously changeable weather and holds the record for maximum speed wind. Before the arrival of European settlers, the mountain was known as Agiokochuk (Agiocochook, translated from Indian - “house of the Great Spirit”)

The mountain is part of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in Coos County, New Hampshire. It is the third highest point on the east coast of the United States (after Mount Mitchell, North Carolina - 2,037 meters, and Mount Clingmans Dome, Tennessee - 2,025 meters), and highest mountain on east coast USA by relative height.

While almost the entire mountain is within the White Mountain National Forest. White Mountain National Forest), an area of ​​59 acres (0.24 km²), including, in particular, the top of the mountain is considered Mount Washington Park. Mount Washington State Park).

Mount Washington is known for its variable weather, due in part to the convergence of several winds, mainly from Atlantic Ocean, southeast and northwest coasts of the USA. The steepness of the Presidential Ridge, together with its north-south orientation, makes the system a significant obstacle to western winds. Between November and April, these strong winds last an average of 16 hours a day.

Mount Washington holds the world record for wind speed measured at earth's surface- 103.3 m/s (372 km/h) based on measurements on April 12, 1934. Wind speeds in events such as tornadoes or hurricanes are measured by satellites or radars not at the earth's surface and therefore cannot be compared, although with careful measurement the speed of a tornado at the ground can be determined (the highest recorded wind speed in a tornado is approximately 133.3 m/ from (480 km/h) - tornado F5 in Oklahoma, however this measurement was taken approximately 30 meters above the ground)

The first regular weather observations on Mount Washington were carried out by the US Warning Service. U.S. Signal Service), predecessor National service USA weather National Weather Service), between 1870 and 1892. The Mount Washington weather station was the first of its kind, and many countries followed suit. For many years it was assumed that minimum temperature was −43.9 °C, recorded on January 29, 1934. When researching data from 1800 National Center climate (English) National Climatic Data Center), located in Asheville, North Carolina, was discovered new record, which is −45.6 °C and recorded on January 22, 1885. However, there is handwritten evidence suggesting that the “unofficial” record may have been set on January 5, 1871 and was −50.5 °C.

On January 16, 2004, the weather station at the summit recorded a temperature of −42 °C and a wind speed of 39.1 m/s (140.8 km/h). Such conditions give weather severity equal to −75 °C. For 71 consecutive hours (from approximately 15:00 on January 13 to 14:00 on January 16, 2004, the weather severity at the summit did not exceed −46 °C. Blizzards at the summit is a common occurrence in every month of the year, and the average layer of snowfall is 645 cm per year.

The main structures at the summit are designed to withstand wind speeds of 133.3 m/s (480 km/h); the remaining objects are, figuratively speaking, chained to the mountain. In addition to several transmitters, there is a weather observatory at the top of the mountain that records and transmits the weather as well as other measurements. subarctic climate on the mountain. Extreme natural conditions at the top of the mountain make it almost impossible to use the equipment without human service. The Observatory also conducts Scientific research, for example, testing new weather instruments. The observatory building is closed to visitors in winter, and travelers are not allowed inside except in critical situations or on pre-arranged tours.

The weather observatory began functioning on the summit in 1932 thanks to a group of enthusiasts who realized the value of such a location. The data received by the station has been collected since then and represents a significant scientific interest. Data on temperature and humidity are recorded using a psychrometer consisting of two mercury thermometers. This approach preserves the accuracy and consistency of measurements that would otherwise be lost by simply switching to new equipment.

The observatory uses the motto "The Place with the Worst Weather in the World." "Home of the World's Worst Weather") - a rather dubious statement that appeared as a result of a note by Charles Brooks (eng. Charles Brooks) in 1940 with the title "The Most bad weather in the world" (even though this article claimed that Mount Washington does not have the worst weather

Illustration copyright Robert Mora Alamy Stock Photo Image caption Trees bent by the winds that constantly blow on the banks of the Catlins South Island New Zealand

Among the contenders for the title of the most windy point on the planet are the state of Oklahoma in the USA, Antarctica, South ocean and a small island off the coast of Australia. But it all depends on what parameters this airflow is measured by. The correspondent looked into the problem of windiness.

Barrow Island, Australia

Illustration copyright Suzanne Long Alamy Stock Photo Image caption On April 10, 1996, the weather station on Barrow Island recorded wind gusts of up to 408 km/h

On this small island, located off the northwestern coast of Australia, is quite drafty at times.

On April 10, 1996, an automatic weather station located there recorded wind gusts of up to 408 kilometers per hour. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), these are the strongest wind gusts on record.

Typhoon Olivia generated the most powerful single wind gust, but was not the most powerful tropical cyclone in history

This serious record was set with the help of tropical cyclone Olivia.

Tropical cyclones are rotating areas of stormy winds. They occur when warm, moist air rises from the surface of the ocean and forms a low-pressure weather system.

The typhoon accelerates the trade winds blowing towards the equator. The column of rising air swirls due to the so-called Coriolis effect, in which the Earth's rotation deflects winds away from the equator.

Such weather systems are capable of generating hurricane-force winds. Particularly powerful cyclones are called Far East and in South-East Asia typhoons, and in Northern and South America- hurricanes.

Illustration copyright NASA Image caption Sometimes two typhoons can form at the same time, as seen in this image from space

So, Typhoon Olivia produced the most powerful single gust of wind - which, however, does not make it the most powerful tropical cyclone in history. To do this, it is better to evaluate the storm using the parameter of sustained wind speed.

Typhoon Nancy of 1961 appears to be the champion in this category, according to the WMO. It formed over the Pacific Ocean and killed 170 people when it struck the coast of Japan.

That typhoon was reported to have sustained wind speeds of 346 kilometers per hour - although meteorologists now suspect that this estimate may have been slightly overestimated.

However, spiral tornado vortices can generate even stronger gusts of wind.

This means that one of the windiest places on Earth is located exactly in the middle of the United States.

Oklahoma State, USA

Illustration copyright Reed Timmer SPL Image caption Most tornadoes occur in the southeastern states of the United States, nicknamed "Tornado Alley"

A tornado is a rotating vertical vortex that forms between the lower edge thunder clouds and the surface of the earth.

If instead of land there is water below, then such a vortex is called a waterspout.

Tornadoes are "the most violent of all atmospheric storms," ​​according to the National Storm Laboratory in Norman. American state Oklahoma.

Tornadoes can whip up winds like never before, but they don't last long.

They can occur anywhere in the world, but the United States sees far more of them than anywhere else - especially in the southeastern states, nicknamed "Tornado Alley."

In Oklahoma, the WMO noted the highest wind speed for a vortex of this type: 486 kilometers per hour. It happened on May 3, 1999 in the Bridge Creek area.

Although tornadoes can generate incredible wind speeds, they do not last long.

But there are also places in the world where powerful winds blow all year round.

South ocean

Illustration copyright Gavin Newman Alamy Stock Photo Image caption Quite an ordinary day in the Southern Ocean - stormy and rocky

As a result of the uneven heating of the surface of our planet by the Sun, giant belts of prevailing winds are formed above it.

Trade winds blow steadily at 30° degrees north and south of the equator. At latitude 40° they dominate westerly winds, and in the region of 60° the polar eastern ones dominate.

If you ask any sailor who has sailed around the world, he will answer without hesitation that the strongest winds are the most big waves- found in the Southern Ocean.

These wild southern latitudes have entered maritime folklore under the nicknames "roaring forties", "furious fifties" and "shrill sixties".

Unlike Northern Hemisphere, in Yuzhny there are almost no continents in the path of the prevailing westerly winds - therefore the wind can accelerate to speeds of over 150 kilometers per hour without interference.

Antarctica

Illustration copyright fruchtzwergs world CC by 2.0 Image caption Downward or katabatic winds in Antarctica are a product of cold and the shape of the earth's surface

In Antarctica, katabatic, or downward, winds blow. They arise due to a combination of a cold climate and the peculiar shape of the polar continent.

"The constant cooling of the surface, especially during the Antarctic winter when the sun barely rises or does not rise at all above the horizon, leads to the formation of a thin layer of cold, dense air just above the surface," explains John King from the British Antarctic Research Center, based in Cambridge.

“Antarctica has a dome shape, and therefore cold air moves from its higher center towards the coasts,” says the specialist. “As a result of the Earth’s rotation, this air does not move down in a straight line: along the way it deviates to the left.”

Illustration copyright Atomic Alamy Stock Photo Image caption Snowstorm on Cape Denison - little has changed here since 1912

From February 1912 to December 1913, scientists measured wind speed at Cape Denison in the Commonwealth Sea in eastern Antarctica. To this day, it is believed that of all weather stations located at sea level, this one is located in the most windy place.

On July 6, 1913, a record for average wind strength per hour was recorded at this station: it was 153 km/h.

According to the widely used Beaufort scale for estimating wind speed, the average weather at Cape Denison is considered stormy.

Sir Douglas Mawson, who led the expedition to Cape Denison, wrote: “The climate is essentially a year-round blizzard and blizzard: gale force winds roar for weeks, interrupted only occasionally by a couple of hours.”

The combination of extreme winds and sub-zero temperatures makes it much more difficult to measure the strength of katabatic winds.

Illustration copyright Design Pics Inc Alamy Stock Photo Image caption The katabatic winds of Antarctica are the native element for Cape Doves

First, if the storm is severe, it can destroy measuring equipment and the masts on which it is attached.

But even when the storm subsides, common types of cup or vane anemometers (instruments for measuring wind) often freeze and become covered in ice.

“You can use ultrasonic anemometers, which have no moving parts and can be heated to help prevent icing,” says King. “But they don’t work very well in conditions where strong wind accompanied by snow."

In general, measuring wind speed in Antarctica is not at all easy.