Name the scale used to measure hurricane intensity.

Study for the Navy FAM Ground School Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is the recognized standard for measuring hurricane intensity. Developed by engineers Herbert Saffir and Robert Simpson, this scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based primarily on sustained wind speeds. The categories range from 1 to 5, with Category 1 representing a relatively minor storm and Category 5 indicating a catastrophic hurricane with devastating winds.

This scale not only helps in understanding the potential damage caused by hurricanes but also plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response. By categorizing hurricanes, it provides essential information to meteorologists, emergency management officials, and the public about the level of threat posed by an approaching storm.

In contrast, the other options are not recognized as a means to categorize hurricane intensity. The Hurricane Severity Scale does not exist in formal meteorological contexts, the Enhanced Fujita Scale is used for tornado intensity rather than hurricanes, and the Storm Intensity Scale is not a standardized term in meteorology. Therefore, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale stands as the authoritative measure for hurricane intensity.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy