WriterByNature.com

March 6, 2007 6:10 am

This activity complements How to Make an Anemometer and How to Deal With High Winds for a more in-depth study of wind speed using the Beaufort scale.
Sir Francis Beaufort developed this method of determining wind speed in the 19th Century and it is still used today.

What we call moving air depends upon how fast the air is moving, according to this chart: (more…)

November 12, 2006 11:33 pm

You can determine how fast the wind is blowing by using the chart below.

This chart provides useful information when you are out on the trail or observing the wind’s impact from indoors. Use it in addition to building your own anemometer and read How to Deal With High Winds: Common Sense Tips for additional information on the wind’s power. (more…)

March 17, 2006 3:45 am

I took a sheltered hike to a different lake yesterday. The wind was blowing more like 20 mph, so I knew I wouldn’t be blown to the next county. This morning the rhododendrons are not being bashed against my window and the blue jays, chickadees and squirrels have ventured back out. (more…)

March 15, 2006 7:10 am

It’s another blustery day, with 60-70 mph wind gusts. I’m still dealing with my injured hand. I’ve noticed over the last few weeks that we’ve had several days where high winds dominated the weather. I wish I’d thought ahead to build an anemometer. I’d have exciting data.

I hike in all weather conditions, except storms and gale force winds. If I had to be outdoors in nature, there are a few things I do to prepare. (more…)

March 7, 2006 5:57 am

Weather is always changing.

I’m fond of this project, because it can be done if you live in an urban setting. Barometers are designed to be used indoors, so you do not even need a yard.

This simple tool is a wonderful way to observe and learn about changes in air pressure.

It also integrates nicely with other weather machines, anemometer, wind compass, hygrometer - and with cloud studies activity. (more…)

4:26 am

Weather is always changing.

I’m fond of this project, because it can be done by people living in urban settings. This simple tool is a wonderful way to observe and learn about wind speed. (more…)

February 12, 2006 7:40 am

The snow is falling at 1-2 inches per hour, the winds gusting at over 20 mph and even the squirrels and juncos have taken cover.

Yesterday at this time the only clue was the smell of snow in the air. The contents of my pocket survival kit were all I needed.

I’ve spent the morning writing my journal. I’ve venture out long enough to to get snow to enjoy with maple syrup. (more…)

December 11, 2005 3:18 pm

Today’s hike is in the form of a writing assignment.

I’m at the lake I discovered on a hike last summer. There is a foot of snow on the ground. I’ve made a cushion from the spare clothes I carry in my day-pack, which I wrapped in two plastic bags. In summer I sit closer to the lake, when the breeze that cools my sweating body feels good. Now I sit a bit deeper in a grove of white pines. (more…)

December 3, 2005 3:37 pm

Despite the biting winds, the woods were filled with a surprising number of hikers - and bucks. I got out early and saw the first buck moving at a slow trot with his tail held high, I heard a twig snap behind me and the buck bolted. (more…)

December 2, 2005 3:34 pm

I got out early this morning, before the predicted 40 mph wind gusts. One of the nice things about the aftermath of a rainstorm is that I can walk silently on wet fallen leaves, even in hiking boots. (more…)