Which instrument measures wind speed and wind direction?

Master the Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling (NSS) – Officer of the Deck (OOD) Phase 2 Exam with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your test!

Multiple Choice

Which instrument measures wind speed and wind direction?

This tests your understanding of instruments that report wind characteristics. An aerovane combines a wind vane with an anemometer in one unit, so it provides both wind direction and wind speed. The wind vane points to indicate the direction from which the wind is blowing, while the anemometer (cups or propeller) measures how fast the air is moving. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, not wind. A wind vane alone shows direction only, and an anemometer alone measures speed only. Therefore, the aerovane is the instrument that measures both wind speed and wind direction.

This tests your understanding of instruments that report wind characteristics. An aerovane combines a wind vane with an anemometer in one unit, so it provides both wind direction and wind speed. The wind vane points to indicate the direction from which the wind is blowing, while the anemometer (cups or propeller) measures how fast the air is moving. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, not wind. A wind vane alone shows direction only, and an anemometer alone measures speed only. Therefore, the aerovane is the instrument that measures both wind speed and wind direction.

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