What Is Rain Gauge?
A rain gauge is an instrument that collects and measures rainfall. This common meteorological instrument often comes in the form of a clear graduated cylinder with markings on the side to determine how much rain has fallen. There are simple modules that a home owner or amateur weather watcher can place in their backyard, while professional weathermen use more sophisticated devices. Nowadays a rain gauge can even be digital.
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A Simple Rain Gauge
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The basic principle of a rain gauge can be understood with an clear, empty glass container (an old peanut butter jar should work fine), a magic marker and a ruler. First take the marker and make a mark every inch along the outside of the glass jar. After all the marks are made, set the jar outside in an unobstructed place, then check the rain levels every day. This should give you a roughly accurate measurement.
The Official Rain Gauge
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An official rain gauge is one that gives accurate results that can be used by the U.S. Weather Service. These instruments have a large funnel that collects water from a wide area and concentrates the rainfall into a clear, narrow, cylindrical column. The funnel collects rain from an area that is 10 times larger than the surface area inside the cylindrical tube. So as a result, a 10-inch column of water collected in this manner is equal to 1 inch of rain. This method makes it easier for the meteorologist to calculate rainfall totals to the 100th of an inch. This type of rain gauge also has a second cylinder in case the rainfall exceeds 1 inch.
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When It Pours
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What does the weatherman do when it rains cats and dogs? Nothing! That is because the rain gauge is designed to accommodate the the excess rainfall, when the rainfall is in excess of 1 inch. When the 10-inch-tall cylinder fills up (remember this represents only 1 inch of actual rainfall), the rainwater then is redirected to the next cylinder, where it is then collected and measured. All that needs to be done now is to measure the second cylinder, then add 1 inch to the measurement. The 1 inch represents the rain that filled up the first cylinder.
Where To Place Your Rain Gauge
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Place your rain gauge in a place that has no overhead obstructions. Also important is find a spot that is sheltered from strong crosswinds. Some rain gauges even come with a device that tilts the collection device into the direction of the wind so as to receive every bit of rainfall possible.
Digital Rain Gauge
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Tired of walking out to your rain gauge every day to check the precipitation levels? Try an electronic or digital device that captures the rainfall, then transmits the results right to your living room. Some of these devices even have a holding area that automatically empties itself every 24 hours.
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