What instruments can be used to measure wind speed and direction?

Wind speed and direction can be measured accurately using an aerovane and an anemometer. An anemometer is specifically designed to measure wind speed, typically using rotating cups or blades that move in response to the wind. The speed of the rotation is directly proportional to the wind speed.

An aerovane combines the functions of an anemometer with a wind vane, allowing it to measure both wind speed and direction simultaneously. The blade orientation indicates the wind direction, while the speed at which it turns corresponds to the wind speed. This dual functionality makes aerovane and anemometer a suitable pair of instruments for comprehensive wind measurement.

In contrast, other options do not specifically serve this purpose. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a hygrometer quantifies humidity, a psychrometer assesses humidity through evaporative cooling, and an altimeter measures elevation. Radar and satellites can observe weather patterns and detect wind flow over larger areas but do not measure wind speed and direction at specific points. Therefore, the selection of the aerovane and anemometer is essential for accurate wind measurement in meteorology.