Which instruments are most commonly used to measure wind?

Anemometers and wind vanes are essential instruments specifically designed for measuring wind characteristics. An anemometer quantifies the speed of the wind by measuring how fast air moves past the device, which is crucial for understanding meteorological conditions and forecasting weather. Wind vanes, on the other hand, indicate the direction from which the wind is blowing; this information is vital for various applications, including aviation, sailing, and agriculture.

When combined, these instruments provide a comprehensive dataset about wind speed and direction, which are critical components in meteorology for analyzing weather patterns and conditions. This combination makes them the most reliable and commonly used instruments in meteorological studies regarding wind measurement. Other instruments listed in the options are not specifically tailored for wind measurement, thus making them less relevant for this purpose.