Pam Ponders

Have you ever given the rain falling outside much thought? Sure, it is helping your dry lawn turn green again and it is lowering the temperature. But what about how many inches it has rained? Do you keep track of the rainfall in your area? You may not but there are countless scientists and researchers that do. And the most important instrument that they use is one many people employ just for personal use. It is a rain gauge. This special gauge is instrumental in determining how much rain has fallen so that weather specialists and researchers can help predict weather patterns. It is such a simple machine yet it yields so much information. The more you can know about this little gauge, the better you can understand the simplest things such as planting certain foliage and flowers for your area. In this article we will discuss the history of rain gauges as well as how they are used. You may want to buy one of your very own.

Why is a rain gauge used?

The use of a rain gauge is simple. It is used to measure the amount of rainfall for that particular rain or storm. It is a good way for meteorologists and hydrologists to be able to predict accurate weather patterns over time. Even if the season or month has been particularly water logged, it is used to create a general average so that people will know when the driest parts of the year are in their area and can take steps to save crops, lawns or even know when to be especially careful about water consumption. These averages can also help scientists determine whether or not an area is in an extended drought.

Are there different types of rain gauges?

There are generally four types of rain gauges found in use today. These gauges are the: standard rain gauge or graduated cylinder, weighing precipitation gauge, tipping bucket gauges and optical rain gauges. The standard or graduated cylinder is one of the more commonly used by the average person. It is simply a graduated cylinder attacked to a pole in an open area. As the rain falls it goes into the cylinder and is marked by horizontal lines in millimeters. The weighing precipitation gauge is a bit more complex and is used more by the scientific community. This type of gauge has a storage area and as it fills up a vibrating wire attaches to a log book which will keep track of the weight of the precipitation. These types of gauges are also used to measure snow, ice or hail. Sometimes these types of gauges will be equipped with a device that can allow scientists to measure chemicals in the atmosphere. The third form, the tipping bucket rain gauge, is a large cylinder made of copper put into the ground. On top of the cylinder is a funnel that directs the flow of precipitation. When enough has accumulated it tips and is recorded by an electrical signal. There are problems with this gauge though such as not accurately measuring the precipitation due to the funnel failing because of ice or snow buildup. The final gauge is a bit more sophisticated. The Optical gauge consists of a row of collection funnels. After a certain amount has accumulated then it falls to the bottom and past a laser beam. The beam then sends back the information to be recorded.

Will a rain gauge measure snow as well as rain?

Technically it is possible for any type of rain gauge to measure the amount of snow but some are better for the job than most. The weighing precipitation gauge is by far the most versatile gauge to use because it goes on weight versus volume. Your standard cylinder gauge could easily become blocked and be unable to measure the precipitation accurately.

Are there any limitations in using a rain gauge?

There are many limitations when it comes to using a rain gauge. The first is the actual rainfall itself. If you are having a storm the wind may blow the rain at an angle and it not be measured accurately. The second is if it is raining and then it turns to snow or ice. The gauge can become iced over and if there is any additional rainfall, it cannot be measured due to the blockage. You also have to be very aware of where your rain gauge is placed. If it is too near a building or trees it can be sheltered and not be able to measure the rainfall accurately.

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