how is inches of rain measured ?

[rh71]

When they mention how many inches of rain we've had, how do they go about measuring ? It depends on the container size...

 

[hevnsnt]

There is a standard tube they use

 

[dighn]

Originally posted by: rh71
When they mention how many inches of rain, how do they know ? It depends on the container size...

not really because the large the container, the more waer yes but also larger the area. you end up with the same height

 

[thelanx]

Theoretically it shouldn't. The larger the container the more rain should fall into it. It is measured as a function of surface area exposed. I think.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

someone stands outside and holds their mouth open, once it fills up and they have to swallow it's a couple inches

 

[hevnsnt]

Measuring rain can be as simple as putting a bucket outside, letting it rain, and then sticking a ruler in the bucket and measuring the water's depth. As long as the container has a flat bottom and is a consistent width (i.e., not wider at the top than at the bottom) this will work.

If your rain gauge isn't symmetrical, you'll have to do some complex math to figure out how to convert your data. For instance, if your top rain catcher part is twice as wide than the rain holder at the bottom, you have to divide your measurement by 2.

Electronic "official" rain gauges have a little tipping mechanism that knows exactly how much weight 0.01 inches of rain is, and will tip the rain out at that point and add 0.01 to the digital readout and start over.

 

[sygyzy]

Originally posted by: dighn

Originally posted by: rh71
When they mention how many inches of rain, how do they know ? It depends on the container size...

not really because the large the container, the more waer yes but also larger the area. you end up with the same height

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: rh71
When they mention how many inches of rain we've had, how do they go about measuring ? It depends on the container size...

No it shouldn't...theoretically at least

But there is an "official" rain gauge - Link