An Exploration of the Origin and Persistance of the Beaufort Wind Force Scale

摘要

A discussion of the history and meaning of the original Beaufort wind force scale is presented and compared with a recent version. Some account of the accidents that have kept the Beaufort scale current after 160 years and the comedy of providing wind velocity equivalents is given. It is suggested that perhaps the time has come to return the Beaufort force scale to the seamen from whom it was borrowed. (Author)