simple rain gauge

1. How do you make a simple rain gauge?
2. Are small rain gauges accurate?
3. What does a simple rain gauge consists of?
4. How is rainfall measured for kids?
5. How is rain gauge calculated?
6. Who invented rain gauge?
7. Why are rain gauges so small?
8. Can you use a 5 gallon bucket as a rain gauge?
9. What size should a rain gauge be?
10. How many types of rain gauges are there?
11. What is a rain gauge called?
12. Where do you place a rain gauge?

How do you make a simple rain gauge?

Making a Rain Gauge

1. Cut the top section off a clear bottle as shown. ...
2. Place several small rocks in the bottom (for weight), then fill the bottle with water to the 0 mark. ...
3. Invert the top of the bottle into to rain gauge to act as a funnel. ...
4. Wait for the next rain and observe and record rainfall amounts.

Are small rain gauges accurate?

Although the kind that are given away free at farm shows are not usually 4-inch-diameter gauges, they are still relatively accurate. Accuracy of the manual rain gauges is, of course, user-dependent – as accurate as the person checking the gauge, recording the data, emptying it, and resetting it.

What does a simple rain gauge consists of?

It consists of a 127 mm diameter copper cylinder with a chamfered rim made of brass. Precipitation that falls on the rain gauge orifice drains through a funnel into a removable container from which the rain may be poured into a graduated glass measuring cylinder.

How is rainfall measured for kids?

A rain gauge is a simple measurement tool that tells you how much rain has fallen over a period of time. Start with creating a rain gauge with the kids. Choose periods of time to measure rain fall and then check it against official measurements from the National Weather Service's website.

How is rain gauge calculated?

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Measure the diameter of the bucket at the level of the rain. ...
2. Measure the diameter of the bucket at the bottom in the same way.
3. Calculate the average of the two diameters.
4. Divide by two to find the average radius.
5. Find the average volume of rain = Depth x radius x radius x 3.14.

Who invented rain gauge?

Rain gauges are one of the most ancient weather instruments. The ancient Greeks and people in India were the first known to keep rainfall records, about 400–500 BC. In 1441, Korea invented the first standardised rain gauge, the Cheugugi.

Why are rain gauges so small?

That's why to figure out how much rain has fallen we measure the height of water in a rain gauge. Rain gauges are calibrated so they can be a lot smaller than a swimming pool, while generally giving usable measurements of rainfall.

Can you use a 5 gallon bucket as a rain gauge?

5 gallons is about 2/3 of a cubic foot, and 2 inches is 1/6 of a foot. 2/3 cubic feet divided by 1/6 feet is 4 square feet, so 2 inches of rain falling over an area of 4 square feet is enough to fill a 5-gallon bucket. Click to see full answer.

What size should a rain gauge be?

The 20 inch gauge is the norm throughout the National Weather Service. However, other agencies like the U.S. Forest Service often use the smaller gauge. The inner measuring tube of the large NWS gauge holds 2.0 inches of precipitation. The measuring tube of the small gauge holds 0.50 inch.

How many types of rain gauges are there?

The three major types of rain gauges are the standard gauge, tipping bucket gauge and weighing gauge.

What is a rain gauge called?

A rain gauge (also known as an udometer, pluviometer, or an ombrometer) is an instrument used by meteorologists and hydrologists to gather and measure the amount of liquid precipitation over an area in a predefined period of time.

Where do you place a rain gauge?

How to Mount your Rain Gauge

• Choose a position in an open area such as a lawn or flower bed, keeping well away from fences, buildings and trees which can prevent rain from reaching the catchment funnel of your rain gauge.
• As a guide the gauge should be no closer to tall objects than twice the height of that object.