A windsock is typically used at airports to indicate the direction and strength of the wind to pilots and at chemical plants where there is a risk of gaseous leakage. They are sometimes located alongside highways at windy locations. Simple construction can become irreplaceable when complex electronic devices are deactivated or inaccessible.

How to calculate wind speed with a windsock:

Alternating stripes of highly visible colors, like orange and white, were initially used to help to estimate the speed of the wind. If the first stripe is raised, it means the wind speed is 5 feet per second (1.5 m/s, 3 knots, 3.5 mph). At this minimal speed, the windsock starts showing the direction of the wind.
2 stripes indicate a wind speed of 10 feet per second (3 m/s, 6 knots, 7 mph).
The third stripe raises at a speed of 15 feet per second (4.6 m/s, 9 knots, 10 mph).
The fourth stipe raises at a speed of 20 feet per second (6 m/s, 12 knots, 14 mph).
A fully extended windsock suggests a wind speed of 25 feet per second (7.7 m/s, 15 knots, 17 mph) or greater.

Comments to article «How to Determine Wind Speed»