What is the unit of measurement of a rain gauge?

millimetres
Most modern rain gauges generally measure the precipitation in millimetres in height collected during a certain period, equivalent to litres per square metre. Previously rain was recorded as inches or points, where one point is equal to 0.254 mm or 0.01 of an inch.

How do you calculate inches of rain?

All you have to do is take a straight-sided can with a flat bottom (like a cylinder), make marks up its side every inch, set it out in the open, and wait for rain. If you see that the can has filled with water up to the 1 inch mark, then you know it has rained 1 inch. Up to the 2 inch mark, it has rained 2 inches.

Why is a rain meter a cone?

The conical design allows the gauge to be inserted into the soil. Collect rainwater and irrigation water: Knowing how much rain has fallen is to knowing how much lawn water is needed.

How do you make a homemade rain gauge?

Making a Rain Gauge

1. Cut the top section off a clear bottle as shown.
2. Place several small rocks in the bottom (for weight), then fill the bottle with water to the 0 mark.
3. Invert the top of the bottle into to rain gauge to act as a funnel.
4. Wait for the next rain and observe and record rainfall amounts.

What is a simple rain gauge?

Rain gauge is a meteorological instrument for determining the depth of precipitation (usually in mm) that occurs over a unit area (usually one metre square) and thus measuring rainfall amount. One millimetre of measured precipitation is the equivalent to one litre of rainfall per metre square.

What does a rain gauge look like?

A rain gauge is really just a cylinder that catches rain. If an inch collects in the cylinder, it means an inch of rain has fallen. It’s that simple. Most standard rain gauges have a wide funnel leading into the cylinder and are calibrated so that one-tenth of an inch of rain measures one inch when it collects inside.

Can I make my own rain gauge?

Make a rain gauge Carefully cut around the plastic bottle about two-thirds of the way up. Pour in 100ml water and mark it all the way round to create a flat starting point for measurement. Turn the top part of the bottle upside down (take the lid off!) and place it inside the bottom part. Fix it in place with tape.