Meteorology · Beaufort Scale — Sea State
On the Beaufort scale, Force 8 corresponds to which description and wind range?
- ALight breeze, 4–6 knots, small wavelets
- BGale, 34–40 knots, with moderately high waves and spindrift blowing in streaks✓ Correct
- CHurricane, 64+ knots, air filled with foam and spray
- DCalm, under 1 knot, sea like a mirror
Explanation
Beaufort Force 8 is a gale (34–40 kt): moderately high waves of greater length, crests breaking into spindrift, and foam blown in well-marked streaks. The scale ties wind force to observable sea state, useful for estimating wind when no anemometer reading is at hand.
Authority: WMO Beaufort scale; Bowditch (Pub. No. 9)
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