The Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Wind Force Scale, or Beaufort Scale for short, is a standardized method of estimating and reporting wind speed. By observing the visible effects of the wind upon the open sea surface or land objects, a person can determine the approximate wind speed. Once the wind speed is determined, the wind conditions are given a Force number and designation on the Beaufort scale for use in logging weather conditions on sea or land.

The scale was devised by Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1777-1857) of the British Navy in 1805. It is probably inaccurate to state that Beaufort “invented” the scale. Rather, he standardized terms that were already in use but were being used subjectively rather than objectively in recording weather conditions in ship’s logs. For example, one captain might record a “gentle breeze” in his log while another, experiencing the same conditions, might use the term “moderate breeze” or “light breeze.” Thus, without some standardized system of empirical observation and notation, the logs could be misleading or confusing.

Beaufort’s original scale was designed to take account of the observed effects of the wind on the sails of British Naval ships and how those ships would act under the force of that wind rather than observations of the wind’s effect on the sea itself. The British Royal Navy mandated the use of the scale as the standard form of log entries for all naval vessels in the late 1830’s and it was widely adopted for non-naval use by the 1850’s.

With the advent of steam power, the scale descriptors were changed to reflect the effect of wind on the open sea itself rather than on the vessel. Land-descriptors were added later to make the scale more versatile and useful for areas other than sailing.

In the 1940’s the scale was further extended to include Forces 13-17 but is only used by a few countries today. Using this updated scale, the Forces 12-17 are roughly equivalent to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale but are not a complete match. Most countries and weather forecasting agencies use Saffir-Simpson when describing Hurricane force.

The Beaufort Scale can be found in numerous places on the internet and in various books such as weather field guides. Since it is standardized, most charts that give details of the scale are virtually identical in the information they contain. I have consulted many of those charts at various weather sites on the internet such as www.spc.noaa.gov and a few field guides. Listed below you will find a summary of the Scale and the conditions inherent to each.

Please note that each set of conditions is denoted by a Force Number of 0-12 and a corresponding designation as given by the World Meteorological Organization. Basically, whether you are on land or sea, you observe the effect the wind is having on your surroundings and then logically work backward to determine the Force number and WMO designation. For example: If you are on land and the wind is only slightly affecting the drift of smoke as it rises, but it is not strong enough to move a weather vane, you can deduce that this is Force 1 on the Beaufort Scale and should be referred to as Light Air in the WMO designation.

Force 0/Calm - winds under 1 knot (<1 style=""> Open Sea: The surface of the water is smooth or mirror-calm . Land: Smoke rises vertically and appears undisturbed by the wind. Tree leaves do not move.

Force 1/Light Air - winds of 1-3 knots (1-3 mph/1-5 kph). Open Sea: The water surface has scaly ripples without crests. Land: Wind direction is indicated in the drift of smoke. However, the wind is not strong enough to move a weather vane.

Force 2/Light Breeze - winds of 4-6 knots (4-7 mph/6-11 kph). Open Sea: Small wavelets are observed with crests that take on a glassy appearance but still do not break. Land: Wind can be felt on the face or exposed skin. Tree leaves rustle and weather vanes begin to move. Light flags may wave slightly.

Force 3/Gentle Breeze - winds of 7-10 knots (8-12 mph/12-19 kph). Open Sea: Large wavelets are observed. Crests begin to break and there are scattered whitecaps. Land: Leaves and twigs are in constant motion while the wind will extend light flags.

Force 4/Moderate Breeze - winds of 11-16 knots (13-18 mph/20-29 kph). Open Sea: Small waves of 1-4 feet in length are observed and whitecaps are more numerous. Land: The wind will raise dust, leaves, and loose paper. Small branches in trees begin to move.

Force 5/Fresh Breeze - winds of 17-21 knots (19-24 mph/30-38 kph). Open Sea: Moderate waves of 4-8 feet are observed with many whitecaps and some spray and foam. Land: Smaller trees in leaf begin to sway.

Force 6/Strong Breeze - winds of 22-27 knots (25-31 mph/39-50 kph). Open Sea: Larger waves of 8-13 feet are observed. Whitecaps are now common with more foam and spray. Land: Large tree branches move, the wind whistles in overhead wires, and the use of an umbrella becomes difficult.

Force 7/Near Gale - winds of 28-33 knots (32-38 mph/51-61 kph). Open Sea: The surface heaps up with waves of 13-20 feet and white foam streaks can be observed off breakers. Land: Whole trees are moving in the wind while walking becomes affected by the wind.

Force 8/Gale - winds of 34-40 knots (39-46 mph/62-74 kph). Open Sea: Waves are moderately high at 13-20 feet and of greater length. Breaking crests begin to form spindrift and foam is blown in streaks. Land: Whole trees are in motion with twigs being broken from them. Walking in the wind becomes very difficult and cars veer on the road due to wind.

Force 9/Strong Gale - winds of 41-47 knots (47-54 mph/75-86 kph). Open Sea: High waves consistently 20 feet or more are observed. The sea begins to roll and has dense streaks of foam while considerable spray may reduce visibility. Land: Light structural damage will occur such as the removal of slate or shingles from roof tops. Tree branches break due to wind force.

Force 10/Storm - winds of 48-55 knots (55-63 mph/87-101 kph). Open Sea: Very high waves of 20-30 feet with overhanging crests are observed. The sea is white with densely blown foam and is rolling heavily. Visibility is lowered. Land: Trees are broken or uprooted. Structural damage is considerable.

Force 11/Violent Storm - winds of 56-63 knots (64-74 mph/102-120 kph). Open Sea: Waves are 30-45 feet in height and the sea is covered with white foam patches. Visibility is further reduced. Land: Structural damage is widespread and considerable.

Force 12/Hurricane - winds in excess of 64 knots (75+ mph/120+ kph). Open Sea: Waves exceed 45 feet, the air is filled with foam and the sea is completely white with driving spray. Visibility is greatly reduced. Land: Structural damage is severe and extensive.

Although the Beaufort Scale has largely fallen out of use in recent years, the scale and its designations still roughly correspond to the severe weather warnings given out by various weather reporting agencies.

The scale can be useful to anyone outdoors, whether on sea or land, to observe the wind conditions and how they may be changing, to make preparations or take appropriate action to prepare yourself to seek shelter or take other precautionary measures. It is still a good idea for sailors, campers, hikers, and outdoor lovers of all types to familiarize themselves with the Beaufort Scale as there may be times in our outdoor adventures when the scale may be the only way of determining the type of weather that is around the corner.

Cowboys and Theology

You know, when you are a True Blue, Die Hard Cowboy Fan, most of the people around you just don’t seem to get it. Those folks may support their own team, or they may even be a nominal supporter of the Cowboys, but they think your love for the team is so fanatical that it borders on being some type of mental disorder.

I have been a Cowboy fan for 35 years. I picked the Boys as my team when I was around 5 years old. Admittedly, I didn’t know much about football at the time but something about the Cowboys grabbed my attention. This is made all the more interesting by the fact that no one in my family really cared about football. I got into watching the Cowboys, and being an only child, I got my way on Sundays and was able to turn the dial to the Cowboys game.

So, I really don’t know why I became a Cowboy fan here in my home state so far away. We didn’t have the Panthers then. The only way I can explain my love for the Cowboys is by good old Calvinistic theology. I think I was predestined to be a Cowboy fan. You know - many are called, but few are chosen. I guess I am blessed to be one of the elect. If you’re not one of the chosen, you just won’t get it.

It was so exciting to watch them play and win. It was devastating to see them lose. I can’t tell you how many times I cried over a Cowboy loss as a small child. My father would look at me, shake his head, and remind me that it was only a game, but to me it seemed like so much more than that.

Over the years, as the family watched one Dallas game after another, I began to notice my father getting into it more and more. He was pretty calm during Superbowl XII when we beat the Broncos. He was reserved during Superbowl XIII when we lost a close one to the Steelers. Me? I cried of course. But as the years went on, his interest in each game seemed to grow until in 1992, we watched Superbowl XXVII together. The Boys were awesome as they destroyed the Bills that day. The outcome was really never in doubt. I was tearing the house down in excitement. There were great moments during that game when I looked over at my dad and, I swear to you, I could see a tear or two gleaming in his eyes. I knew at that point - he gets it.

My dad saw the Cowboys repeat in 1993 as the Cowboys once again beat the Bills in Superbowl XXVIII. In May of 1994, he left us due to a heart attack. I still miss watching the games with him.

I think it was D.D. Lewis who first said that they left a hole in the roof of Texas Stadium so God could look down and watch His team play football. That statement by Lewis puts a thought in my head. I know you never met my dad but see if you can picture this scene with me…….

It’s a Sunday afternoon, and my dad’s up there in heaven looking down through that hole in Texas Stadium. He’s got a comfortable chair, he’s wearing a jersey with number 81 on it, and there’s a bowl of fresh buttered popcorn beside him. To the other side of the popcorn, there’s another person watching the game as well - but you can’t make out who it is just yet. The Cowboys are doing well this day and they just score another touchdown. A vaguely familiar voice says to my dad, “I’m glad we had our popcorn ready.” Dad smiles and turns his head toward the unknown man with the familiar voice. For the first time I catch a glimpse of Dad’s companion. He’s wearing a smartly tailored suit with a fedora on his head to top off the look.

As dad faces his friend he says, “You know Tom, I think they’re about to do it again.”

Now, if you’re not a die hard fan, you might think that’s a crazy idea I have. It’s ok if you don’t get it. It’s a Cowboy thing. Only the elect will understand. The Cowboy fans who are among the chosen, agree with D.D. Lewis - there is football in heaven, and the heavenly fans are all decked out in blue and silver - with one exception. There’s always that one guy watching the game in his smartly tailored suit and fedora. Most of the time he looks quite stoic, but every now and then, if you look close, you will see just the slightest grin….

Note: This blog was originally posted at www.lonestarstruck.com on January 19, 2008. It was the first blog I did for the Star*Struck site and I consider it my signature piece. It is also posted at www.myspace.com/dallas_cowboys_nfl and http://dallascowboysfannetworking/blogspot.com

In Memory of My Uncle: J. C. Isaacs

May 20, 1929 - March 12, 2008

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

-Mark 9:33-37 (NIV)

My uncle J.C. passed away on Wednesday and I just wanted to take a few moments to reflect on what he has meant to me.

While I was growing up, if there was one place I could choose to be other than in my own home, it was at the home of my Uncle J.C. and Aunt Norma. Actually, it was like a second home to me in many ways. They always had time for me and never seemed to begrudge having me around. I will never forget the time they gave this child during his formative years and the impact that has had on my character ever since.

I will never forget learning to play cards, the cookouts or the regular meals at the kitchen table, fishing trips to Watauga Lake, and the times J.C. and I were alone for the day and we talked, whether it was over the breakfast he had made for both of us or just during the course of the day.

I remember my uncle as a deputy sheriff and as a magistrate. He held other jobs over the years, but these are the primary jobs I remember him having. In fact, the first time I was ever stopped by an officer of the law, it was my uncle who pulled me over with blue light and siren. What had I done wrong? Nothing. He just knew it was his 16 year old nephew with a newly laminated driver license and thought he would have some fun at my expense. I have been stopped by law enforcement a few times since but none have been as humorous nor has the outcome been as pleasant.

One of the reasons, I loved staying with my aunt and uncle from time to time is that I never felt second class. So many times a child is sent off to another room so the adults can do “grown-up” things without being bothered by the child. It was never that way at their house. I was always part of everything and was constantly reminded that I mattered by being allowed to participate in all activities. Never was I told that I should be quiet or that I should “go play” while the adults did “their thing.” At J.C. and Norma’s, “their thing” was always “my thing” and I was never left behind.

In this day and age, when so many people want to make a name for themselves, they often don’t have time for young children. I guess most people believe children will “contribute” once they get older. Unfortunately, many fail to realize how much children contribute while they are still children and how much is contributed to the formation of a child’s character when adults take the time to show that child how special he or she is by spending those precious moments with them.

In the passage from Mark’ Gospel, quoted above, Jesus was saying that those who want to be first in the Kingdom of Heaven, must learn to be a servant to all. He then went on to emphasize the importance of showing hospitality and love to children as being integral to serving God the Father. While we make much of great preachers or leaders in the Church today, we often forget that the greatest impact is often not made from the pulpit or the spotlight of the Christian world. The impact is most often made by those who don’t “stand out” in the crowd but demonstrate hospitality and love to others by action rather than great sermons or words that often seem shallow due to a failure to put those words or beliefs into deeds. Indeed, the greatest impact is made by those who choose to touch the life of a child.

All of us are like small pebbles thrown into a pond. At the time our splash into the world may seem small in many ways, but it’s not the initial splash that counts. The true and lasting impact are the ripples that continue onward through the lives of others our lives have touched along the way. Long after the pebble of our life has reached the bottom of the pond, our influence continues to radiate outward continually touching others in ways we will never understand until Christ Himself speaks to us from the throne at the end of time. It is then He will show us how the ripples and waves of our actions continued to produce good things long after we were gone.

I am sure my uncle touched many people during his lifetime. As a member of the law enforcement community, his life was dedicated to helping, protecting and serving. While I acknowledge that aspect of his life, none of it was as important to me as his being a wonderful uncle. To me he was one of the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven because he took the time to welcome a child into his life, and in doing so, he welcomed the Father in Heaven as well. He was a man who loved me not just in word, but also in deed, and for that, I will always love him as well.

Testament of a Fisherman

Originally written on Thursday, February 14, 2008
Originally posted at www.myspace.com/dallas_cowboys_nfl

One of my favorite things to do is go fly fishing. There's nothing like being alone on a mountain stream or river with nothing but the sounds of rustling water and your own private thoughts meandering through your head. It's perfect serenity as I cast my line upon the water in hopes that a fish will rise.

I love to read pieces by anglers who write well and can capture those feelings and thoughts we fishermen have when we are on the water away from all troubles and cares. One of my favorite authors along this line is Norman Maclean who wrote A River Runs Through It. Yes, the movie is good, but I recommend you read the book if you ever get the chance. There's some great prose in that book. The closing four paragraphs always remain in my mind. If you saw the movie, you heard Robert Redford narrate this part, but the beauty of the written word is much better I think. Allow me to share it with you:

"Now nearly all those I loved and did not understand when I was young are dead, but I still reach out to them.

Of course, now I am too old to be much of a fisherman, and now of course, I usually fish the big waters alone, although some friends think I shouldn't. Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise.

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.

I am haunted by waters."

There is so much in that book that is wonderful. I strongly recommend it to you if you love fishing. If you don't love fishing but just appreciate great writing, then you should check it out as well.

I want to share one other short piece with you. This was written by John Voelker and is a great "justification" for why one should just take the day and go fishing. It's called "Testament of a Fisherman:"

"I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of the television commercials, cocktail parties and assorted social posturing I thus escape; because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because trout do not lie or cheat but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience; because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip; because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters; because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness; because bourbon out of an old tin cup tastes better out there; because maybe someday I will catch a mermaid; and finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant - and not nearly so much fun."

Thank you Norman and thank you John. Words are truly a thing of beauty, much like those solitary mountain streams where the rest of the world gets left behind - even if only for a short while.

Five Lessons on How to Treat People

Originally written on Friday, February 8, 2008
Originally posted at www.myspace.com/dallas_cowboys_nfl

I didn't write the "lessons" below. They were forwarded to me in an email and I have no idea who deserves the credit for first writing them down. I just thought that the things that are said below are things that all people should keep in mind when dealing with others. Every person you come in contact with is important. Each one should be treated with respect and dignity. No one should be beneath you, nor should anyone be above you. Each individual is unique, important, and deserving of our love and respect. If we could all remember that, this world would be a better place I think. Please read and feel free to make a comment if you like.

Five Lessons on How to Treat People

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans this school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.

A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance, and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read:

"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy
entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass
of water in front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.

"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.

"Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away."

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

My Thoughts on Martin Luther King Day

Originally written on Monday, Januray 21, 2008
Originally posted at www.myspace.com/dallas_cowboys_nfl

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I would like to extend my best wishes to all my friends on Myspace, no matter what your color, creed, or nationality. We are all brothers and sisters of the human race and deserving of honor, respect, and love.

I heard or read something years ago that meant a lot to me. Unfortunately, I can't remember the source of this idea but it's something that I have always remembered. So many people in this world are prejudiced toward others due to their color, nationality, religion, etc. It would be great if we could all overcome our prejudices, but unfortunately, some never will. I don't hate those people for being prejudiced, I simply feel sorry for them.

The quote that I will always remember is this:

"You can't reason the prejudice out of someone, as it was never reasoned into them to begin with."

Personally, I love that quote. Prejudice is not a rational belief or idea. It is something that makes no sense and sadly, rather than enriching our lives, it is something that makes us all the poorer for holding on to it.

Just something to think about.