On websites and newspapers with weather forecasts, and even storm and cyclone news, we often see information about wind speed. But have you ever wondered how it can be measured? We’ll tell you.

Different methods

There are different ways of measuring wind speed. Among the most commonly used instruments are the Wild type weathervane, the mug anemometer and the universal anemometer.

The Wild type weathervane is very much like those famous weathervanes with a rooster. It has stems that indicate the cardinal points in addition to a wind measuring plate. The mug anemometer also works more or less like a weathervane, however it has a type of shell, which causes the shaft to rotate. Finally, the anemograph is a bit more modern and records both the direction and speed of the winds.

Anemometers

The devices used to measure wind speed are anemometers. They are calibrated in wind tunnels by means of the turns that the shells cause in each axis correspond to a specific speed. That is, the more the anemometer turns on its own axis, the greater the wind speed.

There are also anemometers that in place of turns use energy generators. Thus, the more turns, the more power generated and, consequently, the greater the wind speed.

So, did you like to know more about it? Keep following our blog and discover other curiosities.