Rainfall was the first element accurately measured. It isn't known by whom or where the first rain gauge was used. Nothing more than a bucket and ruler are required. Records show the Greeks kept some rainfall records as early as the 5th. Century B.C.

There are various types of raingauges used to measure rainfall: (1) The Standard 8 inch rain gauge. (2) Weighing Bucket rain gauge. (3) The Tipping Bucket rain gauge. (4) Electronic Rain gauge.

There are also some plastic rain gauges used to measure rainfall. These are quite convenient, in that they can be placed on a fence post or any other structure without too much of a problem. The gauge calibration marks are on it, and the rainfall amounts are read directly off the gauge.

The standard 8 inch rain gauge consists of a receiving funnel, measuring tube and a measuring stick. It is usually supported on a wood or metal stand. The receiving funnel has an 8 inch opening at the top. Rain falls through the receiving funnel and passes through an opening and is collected in the measuring tube to measure the amount of water that has fallen.

The measuring stick is marked in inches, tenths and hundreds of an inch. To measure how much rainfall has occurred, you simply put the measuring stick into the measuring tube and read the amount on the stick.

When one inch of rain has fallen, it means that enough water has fallen to cover one square acre one inch.

To measure rainfall accurately the rain gauge should be located well out in the open away from tall buildings and trees. Inaccurate measurements may be observed if the gauge is too close to such objects. Water that is falling or blown off these structures may enter the gauge indicating more rain has fallen than actually has.

Choose here to view graphic of raingauge

© 1998 Charles A. Giannetta

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