What are the categories of rain gauges?
Rain gauge are devices designed to quantify the amount of rainfall. By measuring rainfall, we can learn about its size, how long it lasts, and where it falls. This data is crucial for meteorological studies, disaster alerts, hydrological assessments, agricultural planning, and more.
Varieties of rain gauges
Rain gauges are available in different types, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks. Below are some typical types of rain gauges:
1. Standard Rain Gauge:
Often referred to as the cylindrical rain gauges, this is the most commonly utilized type. It consists of a metal or plastic tube with a funnel-shaped top. This top collects rainwater and directs it into a measuring tube. The markings on the tube show millimeter graduations to quantify the rainfall collected.
2.Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge:
This rain gauges has a see-saw structure. One side features a funnel, while the opposite end has two tiny buckets.
Every time a set amount of rain falls (usually 0.2 mm or 0.01 inches), the see-saw tips. It then dumps the water into a storage container. To measure the volume of rainfall, you count the number of tipping cycles.
3.Weighing rain gauges：
Use a scale to measure how much rain collectors gather. A funnel collects rainwater and channels it to a storage container that sits on a scale. The weight of the container goes up as rain collects. We find out how much it rained by measuring the weight before and after the rain.
4. Optical Rain Gauge:
This rain gauges employs optical sensors to determine the size and quantity of raindrops. It calculates the volume of rainfall by assessing the intensity of the precipitation.
5. Acoustic Rain Gauge:
This rain gauges employs sound waves to measure the amount of rainfall. It emits sound waves that reflect off the raindrops and return to the sensor. The strength of the returning signal determines the amount of rainfall.
Each rain gauges type has its own set of pros and cons and is appropriate for various uses. Selecting a rain gauge depends on factors like precision, cost, maintenance ease, and the requirement for real-time data.
What are the alternative names for a rain gauge?
Alternative names for rain gauges are:
Pluviometer / Pluviograph / Rain measuring instrument / Rainfall gauge / Rain gauge / Rain collector / Rain recorder / Hyetometer / Ombrometer / Pluviograph / Pluviometer
These terms are frequently used interchangeably to describe the instrument or device that quantifies rainfall.
No matter what type of rain gauge you pick, it is important to install and maintain it correctly. This will help you get accurate measurements.