Which scale is used for measuring the intensity of tornadoes based on damage?

Study for the Criminal Justice 439 – Homeland Security Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with explanations. Prepare for your exam with confidence!

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale is the correct choice for measuring the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. This scale was developed to provide a more accurate and refined assessment of tornado damage compared to its predecessor, the original Fujita scale. The Enhanced Fujita scale categorizes tornadoes into six levels, ranging from EF0 (weak) to EF5 (incredible), based on the type of damage inflicted on buildings and vegetation.

This scale takes into account specific damage indicators, such as the damage to well-built homes, commercial buildings, and other structures, making it a more reliable tool for evaluating tornado strength. The update to the Enhanced Fujita scale was made to reflect changes in construction standards and to improve the assessment of tornado damages using more consistent and measurable criteria.

The other options do not represent standardized scales commonly used in tornado classification. The original Fujita scale is outdated and less effective than the Enhanced Fujita scale. The severity scale and destruction scale are not recognized terms in this context within meteorological frameworks.

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