What scale is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes?

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 Enhanced Fujita Scale is the correct scale used to measure the intensity of tornadoes. It categorizes tornadoes based on the estimated wind speeds and the resulting damage to structures and vegetation. This scale ranges from EF0 to EF5, with EF0 indicating light damage and EF5 signifying incredible damage with wind speeds over 200 miles per hour.

This scale is particularly important because it provides a more accurate classification of tornadoes than its predecessor, the original Fujita Scale. The Enhanced Fujita Scale incorporates updates based on research into the damage caused by tornadoes and helps meteorologists and emergency responders assess the severity of tornadoes, allowing for better risk management and preparedness.

The other scales mentioned serve different purposes. The Richter Scale measures the magnitude of earthquakes, the Beaufort Scale assesses wind speed and its effects on the sea and land, and the Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to categorize hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds. Each of these scales has its specific application and does not relate to tornado intensity, which is why they are not the correct answers in this case.

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