What Type of Equipment Is Used to Record Measurements for Storms?

Storms often damage property.

"Storm" is the catchall name given to all kinds of weather phenomena. These disturbances in weather are often classified into different types of storms, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones, ice storms and thunderstorms. All storms, however, share a common characteristics -- air flowing at a very high speed.

Barometer

Barometers have been around for a long time.

Whether in a gentle breeze or a tornado, air flows from an area of high atmospheric pressure to an area of low pressure. The differences in pressure is measured by a barometer in a pressure unit called millibars (mbs). A simple barometer uses mercury, much like a thermometer, that rises and falls according to the rise and fall in air pressure.

Anemometer

An anemometer measures the direction and the speed of the storm. There are many types of anemometers used to measure wind speed. A simple anemometer, often seen near airports, consists of three cups on a rotating mast: the faster the movement of cups, the higher the speed. Nowadays you can buy a digital anemometer you can carry around in your pocket.

Satellites

Satellites are useful for remote sensing.

Barometers and anemometers are not very useful tools to measure extreme storms like hurricanes and typhoons. Modern meteorology relies on satellites and remote sensing to provide measurements of speed and direction of severe storms. This is especially true in the middle of severe storms when it is not possible to be physically present to take measurements. Satellites use radio and infra-red waves to remotely detect the speed and direction of waves.

References

• Storm Surf: Weather Basics
• Barometer Planet: A Mercury Barometer Explained:
• NOAA: Which Way is the Wind Blowing

Resources

• Physorg: Into the Storms