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If you are talking about a tornado, this is already a scale in place-The Fujita scale (F-Scale), or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation. The official Fujita scale category is determined by meteorologists (and engineers) after a ground and/or aerial damage survey; and depending on the circumstances, ground-swirl patterns (cycloidal marks), radar tracking, eyewitness testimonies, media reports and damage imagery, as well as photogrammetry/videogrammetry if motion picture recording is available.

The wind speed is measured by a system called VORTRAC (Vortex Objective Radar Tracking and Circulation), was successfully tested by the hurricane center last year.

"VORTRAC is an excellent example of the application of basic research to help improve short-term hurricane warnings," says Steve Nelson, program director in NSF's Division of Atmospheric Sciences.

The system, which relies on existing Doppler radars along the U.S. coast, provides details on hurricane winds and central pressure every six minutes, indicating whether the storm is gathering strength in the final hours before reaching shore.

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What should a barometer measure when there is a tornado?

If a tornado passes near or over a barometer, it will measure a very rapid drop in pressure. How much the pressure drops depends on the strength of the tornado and how close the center of it comes tot he barometer.


Is it impossible to measure the strength of a tornado?

No, it is possible to measure the strength of a tornado, though direct measurements are rare. Most tornadoes have their strength estimated based on the severity of the damage they cause. Occasionally, though mobile Doppler can obtain wind measurements from a tornado. One tornado on May 24, 2011 was rated EF5 after such a radar indicated winds in excess of 210 mph.


What is being measured when categorizing a tornado?

When categorizing a tornado, meteorologists measure its intensity using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. This scale takes into account the damage caused by the tornado to estimate its wind speeds and assign it a category from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest).


What is the name of the scale used to measure the intensity of a tornado?

The most well, known scale is the Fujita scale, which runs from F0 to F5. In the U.s. it has been replaced by the Enhanced Fujita scale, which, similarly, runs from EF0 to EF5.


What scale of measurement or tool is used to measure the force of a tornado's wind?

The wind of a tornado may be remotely measured using Doppler radar. In rare instances an anemometer makes it inside a tornado and measure wind directly. However, most tornadoes never have their winds actually measured. Instead the wind speed is estimated from the severity of the damage using the parameters of the Enhanced Fujita scale.

Related Questions

Is there a scale that is used to measure the magnitude of a tornado?

yes


What should a barometer measure when there is a tornado?

If a tornado passes near or over a barometer, it will measure a very rapid drop in pressure. How much the pressure drops depends on the strength of the tornado and how close the center of it comes tot he barometer.


What does the scale measure on a tornado?

The Fujita and Enhanced Fujita scales assesses damage caused by a tornado to assign a rating.


What instrument do scientists drop in a tornado's path?

The are various instruments that scientists have deployed. Most tornado probes carry barometers to measure the pressure inside a tornado. Some have held a variety of anemometers to measure wind speed. A few have had cameras.


Is it impossible to measure the strength of a tornado?

No, it is possible to measure the strength of a tornado, though direct measurements are rare. Most tornadoes have their strength estimated based on the severity of the damage they cause. Occasionally, though mobile Doppler can obtain wind measurements from a tornado. One tornado on May 24, 2011 was rated EF5 after such a radar indicated winds in excess of 210 mph.


What is used to measure the violence of a tornado?

The intensity of a tornado is usually judge based on an analysis of the damage, which is used to estimate wind speed.


What is the name of the instrument used to measure the intensity of a tornado?

In most cases the intensity of a tornado is never actually measured. Tornadoes are rated based on the severity of the damage they cause. Mobile Doppler radar can measure wind speeds in a tornado, but since such radar cannot measure ground-level winds the measurements are not used in ratings.


Name of the instrument used for measuring intensity of tornado?

There is no particular instrument used for measuring tornado intensity. Ratings are based primarily on damage assessment. Occasionally doppler radar has measure wind speeds inside a tornado, but such measurements are rare.


Is f1 the biggest tornado?

No. For one thing, Fujita (F) scale ratings measure the strength of a tornado, not its size. F1 is the second weakest rating a tornado can get (F0 is the weakest). Weak tornadoes such as this are generally small, but occasionally can be large. The highest rating a tornado can get is F5.


Do tornado trackers have a scale to measure?

Tornadoes do have a scale by which they are rated. It is the Enhanced Fujita scale. However, trackers do not use it to rate the tornado as it occurs. Damage is assessed by experts after the tornado has passed.


How does the Fujita scale measure the storms weakness and strongness?

The Fujita scale uses the severity of the damage caused by a tornado to determine its strength. The more severe the damage is the stronger the tornado.


What is being measured when categorizing a tornado?

When categorizing a tornado, meteorologists measure its intensity using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. This scale takes into account the damage caused by the tornado to estimate its wind speeds and assign it a category from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest).