Tropical cyclone eloise sapphire-simpson and beaufort scale

General
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tropical cyclone eloise sapphire-simpson and beaufort scale

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Tropical Cyclone Eloise, Sapphire-Simpson Scale, and Beaufort Scale

Tropical Cyclone Eloise

Tropical Cyclone Eloise was a devastating tropical storm that had significant impacts, particularly in regions like Mozambique and Madagascar. It was part of the 2020–21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. Cyclone Eloise caused extensive damage due to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speeds. This scale estimates potential property damage. Here is a breakdown:

  1. Category 1:

    • Wind speeds: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
    • Damage: Minimal, primarily to unanchored mobile homes, trees, and shrubbery.

  2. Category 2:

    • Wind speeds: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
    • Damage: Moderate, with significant damage to roofs, windows, and mobile homes.

  3. Category 3:

    • Wind speeds: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
    • Damage: Extensive, with substantial damage to small buildings and significant coastal flooding.

  4. Category 4:

    • Wind speeds: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
    • Damage: Severe, with catastrophic damage to well-built framed homes, power outages, and residential area isolation.

  5. Category 5:

    • Wind speeds: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)
    • Damage: Catastrophic, with a high percentage of framed homes destroyed, total roof failure, and wall collapse.

Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Scale is an empirical measure for describing wind speed based mainly on observed sea conditions. It ranges from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane). Here’s the detailed breakdown:

  1. Beaufort 0 (Calm):

    • Wind speed: Less than 1 km/h (less than 1 mph)
    • Sea condition: Sea like a mirror

  2. Beaufort 1 (Light Air):

    • Wind speed: 1-5 km/h (1-3 mph)
    • Sea condition: Ripples with the appearance of scales

  3. Beaufort 2 (Light Breeze):

    • Wind speed: 6-11 km/h (4-7 mph)
    • Sea condition: Small wavelets

  4. Beaufort 3 (Gentle Breeze):

    • Wind speed: 12-19 km/h (8-12 mph)
    • Sea condition: Large wavelets

  5. Beaufort 4 (Moderate Breeze):

    • Wind speed: 20-28 km/h (13-17 mph)
    • Sea condition: Small waves

  6. Beaufort 5 (Fresh Breeze):

    • Wind speed: 29-38 km/h (18-24 mph)
    • Sea condition: Moderate waves

  7. Beaufort 6 (Strong Breeze):

    • Wind speed: 39-49 km/h (25-31 mph)
    • Sea condition: Large waves begin to form

  8. Beaufort 7 (High Wind/Moderate Gale/Near Gale):

    • Wind speed: 50-61 km/h (32-38 mph)
    • Sea condition: Sea heaps up, waves increase in height

  9. Beaufort 8 (Gale/Fresh Gale):

    • Wind speed: 62-74 km/h (39-46 mph)
    • Sea condition: Moderately high waves with breaking crests

  10. Beaufort 9 (Strong Gale):

    • Wind speed: 75-88 km/h (47-54 mph)
    • Sea condition: High waves, sea begins to roll

  11. Beaufort 10 (Storm/Whole Gale):

    • Wind speed: 89-102 km/h (55-63 mph)
    • Sea condition: Very high waves with long overhanging crests

  12. Beaufort 11 (Violent Storm):

    • Wind speed: 103-117 km/h (64-72 mph)
    • Sea condition: Exceptionally high waves

  13. Beaufort 12 (Hurricane):

    • Wind speed: 118 km/h or more (73 mph or more)
    • Sea condition: The air is filled with foam and spray, and sea is completely white with driving spray; visibility is seriously affected

Comparison and Usage

Both the Saffir-Simpson Scale and the Beaufort Scale are crucial for assessing and communicating wind intensity, but they serve slightly different purposes:

  • Saffir-Simpson Scale: Specifically used for categorizing hurricanes and potential damage on land.
  • Beaufort Scale: Originally designed for sailors, this scale measures wind speed based on sea conditions and can also be applied on land.

Understanding these scales helps in better preparation and response to severe weather conditions, ensuring safety measures are appropriately applied.