Test: Rain Gauge Network - Civil Engineering (CE) MCQ

Rain gauge is used by the meteorologists for measuring the amount of precipitation over the time period considered. The instrument gives the best result when it is placed in an open area.

The total rainfall in the given interval is determined by using the formula,
Rainfall = N*v. on substitution, we get
Rainfall = 3*24 = 72cu. m.

The rate of rainfall can be determined by using the formula,
R = N*k*δt. On substitution, we get
R = 2*1*24
R = 48m-sec.

Due to the unavailability of the machinery and all other equipments in the remote areas, tipping bucket method can find its advantage. It requires no machine interpretation and is able to deliver accurate value for measuring precipitation.

Rain gauge has been classified based on the type of work being conducted to adapt the situations. Those include optical rain gauge, acoustic rain gauge and tipping bucket gauge.

The amount of precipitation measured in terms of the height of the precipitated water accumulated in the container per given time and is expressed in terms of millimeters.

The least count of the instrument can be given as
K = v / A. on substitution, we get
K = 50 / 21 = 2.38 m.

Tipping bucket is provided in the rain gauge for collecting the required amount of rainfall needed for measurement of the precipitation in the atmosphere. After being filled to the maximum level, the tipping bucket will turn under the action of gravity.

The equipment which involves in the determination of the precipitation levels in the atmosphere is termed as a rain gauge. It is also known as ombro meter or the udometer based on the area it is in use.

Acoustic rain gauge is also referred as a hydrophone, is able to sense the sound signature from each drip of rainfall that strikes the surface. It is possible to invert the underground sound field to estimate the drop size distribution.