Tornado Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale
Formula:(windSpeed, width, length) => { if(typeof windSpeed !== 'number' || typeof width !== 'number' || typeof length !== 'number') return 'Input should be numbers'; if(windSpeed <= 0 || length <= 0 || width <= 0) return 'Inputs should be greater than zero'; return (length * width * windSpeed) / 1000 }
Tornado - Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale
The Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale, sometimes called the F-Scale or Fujita Scale, is a rating system that categorizes tornadoes based on their estimated wind speeds and the damage they cause. Developed by Dr. Tetsuya Theodore Fujita in 1971, this scale provides an empirical basis to assess the intensity and potential damage of tornadoes, helping meteorologists, emergency planners, and researchers better understand these powerful natural phenomena.
Understanding the Inputs
To make the Fujita Scale user-friendly, we start with clearly defining the inputs and outputs:
windSpeed= Speed of the wind in meters per second (m/s).width= Width of the tornado's path in meters (m).length= Length of the tornado's path in meters (m).
Given these values, the formula calculates the tornado’s potential energy, which is a crucial determinant in the Fujita Scale's damage estimation.
Output
potentialEnergy= Potential energy measured in megajoules (MJ)
The Fujita Scale
The Fujita Scale is divided into six categories from F0 to F5, where each step represents increased intensity and potential for more significant destruction:
- F0: Light damage. Wind speeds between 18-32 meters per second. Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged.
- F1: Moderate damage. Wind speeds 33-49 meters per second. Roof surfaces peeled off; mobile homes pushed off foundations; moving autos pushed off the roads; attached garages may be destroyed.
- F2: Considerable damage. Wind speeds 50-69 meters per second. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars overturned; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.
- F3: Severe damage. Wind speeds 70-92 meters per second. Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown.
- F4: Devastating damage. Wind speeds 93-116 meters per second. Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance; cars thrown and small missiles generated.
- F5: Incredible damage. Wind speeds 117 meters per second or higher. Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 330 feet (100 m); trees debarked; steel reinforced concrete structures badly damaged.
To give a real-life perspective:
In 2011, an EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, causing catastrophic damage. This tornado had estimated wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, a path width of nearly a mile, and destroyed thousands of buildings. The formula would calculate the energy to help categorize this as an EF5 tornado.
FAQs
What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale?
The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) is an updated version of the original Fujita Scale. Introduced in 2007, it revises criteria and considers additional indicators of damage to better estimate wind speeds and potential destruction.
Why is the Fujita Scale important?
It helps scientists, meteorologists, and emergency responders assess the severity of tornadoes. By understanding tornado intensity, communities can improve building standards and emergency procedures to save lives and mitigate damage.
How accurate is the Fujita Scale?
While it provides valuable estimates, it is still based on observed damage rather than direct measurements of wind speed. The Enhanced Fujita Scale accounts for some of these limitations, but exact values are inherently difficult to assess with high precision.
Data Validation
It's essential to ensure inputs are valid numbers and greater than zero. For incorrect data, the formula returns a string message indicating the error.
Summary
The Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale is a fundamental tool for understanding the power and potential damage of tornadoes. By measuring wind speed, width, and length of the tornado path, we can estimate its impact and better prepare for these fierce natural events.
Tags: Meteorology, Natural Disasters, Weather