C

Instruments (Working Principle, H

Description, Precautions and

Applications) Required to Study
Different Microclimatic Variables:
1
Air and Soil Temperature, Wind
Velocity, Relative Humidity, Light
Intensity and Rainfall

REQUIREMENTS

Ordinary Thermometer, Soil Thermometer, Maximum and Minimum

Thermometer, Anemometer, Psychrometer,Luxmeter and Rain Gauge

Observing different microclimatic variables in different habitats can involve

measurement and recordingof different weather elements including temperature,
wind velocity, relative humidity, light intensity and rainfall. High quality
instrumentsare available for measuring different weather variables. The precise

and accuratehandling of these instrumentsis important.

Thermometer (Fig.1.1)

(Gk: Thermos = Heat; Meter = Measurement) It is a device which measures

temperatureor temperature gradient very easily.

PRINCIPLE

A changes its volume relative to its temperatureand liquids take up less

liquid

space when they are cold and more space when they are warm. It is called thermal
expansionof liquid (temperaturea expansion / rise in level)

Galileo and Sanctorius devised thermometers.

DESCRIPTION

Ordinary Thermometer / Liquid-in-glass

1. This is the most commonly used thermometer to measure air / liquid

temperature.These thermometers are easy to use.

2. There is usually a glass bulb attached to a sealed glass tube. A very thin

opening, called a bore extends from the bulb down through the center of
the glass tube.
 Science
and Environment
of Ecology
Manual thermometer, the glass bulb is
4 Practical of the filled
liquid is freeto with

the sensitivity alcohol andthe move from

increase
3. To or red-colored
mercury tube.
either glass filled with nitrogen or it
bulb intothe may be may be a
the the mercury
increases,the liquid
in the bulb
above
The space temperatureWhen air temperature decreases, expands,
When air
4
theliquid
vacuum. up thetube. of the tube and back into thebulb,
it torise it out
forcing drawing
mercury is then
ofthis volume
contracts, of
cools and amplificdin
and contraction the glass tube.
5. Expansion bore of
the much narrower tube allow the temperature to be read
on the glass
marks(°C/°F) tube, which varies accordingtothe
6 Calibrated
mercury withinthe
of the
bythelength
accurately in direct sunlight
temperature. temperature
to measure air from the sun in addition to the
Itis impossible
7.
absorbsradiation
thermometer in contact with
because the from the air molecules
transferred
energy being both these sources
tothe liquid from
of
kinetic will
transferred
the glass. Energy which will be greater than the actual air

result in a temperaturereading,

temperature.

PRECAUTIONS
or refiected sunlight must be
L For determining the temperature of air,direct
thermometer.
excluded from the vicinity ofthe
should be kept away from hand and bodv.
2. Bulb of the instrument
mercury becomes
3. Instrument should be kept in constant position until
stationary.

4. Thermometer must be protected from direct wind. The recorded observations

can be misleading since in some case mercury constantly rises and falls as

the wind blows.

5. Thermometer must be handled with great care particularlyin the field since
it is made of glass and is expensive.

APPLICATIONS

1. Thermometers / Temperature sensors are used in a wide variety of scientine

and engincering applications, especially
measurement systems.
2. Thermometers are used within roadwavs in cold weather climates to neip
determine if icing
conditions exist.
3. Galileo thermometersare used
measure indoor air temperature,
to
their limited uv
measurement range.
4. Alcohol
thermometers, infrared
thermometers, mercury-113
thermometers,
recording thermometers,
thermistors and Six's thermometers
 Instruments Required to Study different Microclimatic Variables... 5

outside in areas which are well-exposed tothe elements at various

are used
Jevels of the Earth's atmosphere and within the Earth's oceans.

ris necessary in the fieldsof meteorology and climatology.

5. Thernometer
use thermometers and hygrometersto determine if atmospheric
Aireraft
c0nditions exist along their flight path and these measurements are
6.

weather forecast models.

used
to initialize
stemmed thermoneters, thermocouples,infrared thermometers,
s are handy during cooking in order to know ifmeat has been
7. Bi-metallic
and thernmistors of food is importantbecause if it sits within
cooked. Temperature 135°F) for
properly between 5° and 57°C (41° and
environments with a temperature illnesses.
four bours or more, bacteria
can multiply leading to food-borne
health care to
Medical thermometers
(mercury in glass) are used within
(above normal 98°F body temperature)
determine if individuals have a fever

or are hypothermic
Air thermometer

100

70E

60E

sOE

40E

30E

20

10E

Bulb with
Mercury

A B

B. Diagrammatic Sketch
FIGURE 1.1 Air Thermometer A. InstrumentPicture

(Fig. 1.2)
Maximum and Minimum Thermometer

PRINCIPLE
thermometer because it
Maximum and Minimum Thermometer is called Six's
is a registering thermometer which can record
was invented by James Six. It

temperatures reached over a period of

the maximum and minimum (extremes)
principle is same as for air thermometer
time, for example 24 hours. The basic

i.e. liquid expands onheating.

 Science
and Environment
Manual of Ecology
6 Practical
made up of glass with two separate
long'U' shaped tube
has one One arm has a
Theinstrument arm of the temperature

U.
along each
scales set
side),and the other arm with
temperature (minimum
from top to bottom
increasing (maximum side). Care should be
scale,
from top to bottom
decreasing
relate to the
correct scale.
temperatures thermometer to
the
made when reading

DESCRIPTION
maximum temperature and the other
the
1. One of the arms is for recording
for the minimum temperature. the to
in sealed glass
bulbs. The bulb at
terminate Utube
2. The arms of the other contains a
reading scale arm is full of alcohol, the
of the minimum
alcohol vapour).
vacuum (orlow pressure based on the
U contains mercury
which moves up or down
The bend of the
3.
in the first bulb as
expansion and contraction
of alcohol (measuring fluid)
itresponds to the external temperature.
allows free movement of the alcohol and
4. The near vacuum in the other bulb
mercury.
expands and pushes the mercury up
5. When the temperature rises, the alcohol
also pushes the mercury down in the minimum
the maximum column. This
column.
and pulls the
when the temperature falls, the alcohol contracts
6. Similarly,
in a fall of mercury in the
minimum column resulting
mercury up in the
and mercury
maximum column. Thus, alcoholmeasures the temperature
both scales.
indicates the temperature reading on
readings are recorded by two steel pins/
7. The maximum and minimum
markers located on the surface of mercury (one on either side).

tube to check their sliding unless a small

8. These are sprung into the capillary
force is applied. These pins move along with the flow of mercury up and
down.

9. When the temperature reaches its maximum and minimum limits, the pins

remain at that place after the liquid has receded. This helps in recording the
maxímum and minimum temperatures of the day. It is therefore required
that before a maximum or minimum reading is taken, both markers be
returned to the top of themercury, usually by hand using a small magnet to
slide them along the tube.

10. Any change in temperature after that time will push one of the markers
along with it.

l1. This type of thermometer should be read at the sametimeeach day, normally
at 0900 GMT.
 Instruments Required to Study different Microclimatic Variables... 7

PRECAUTIONS
is made by reading off the value on the scale corresponding
1. The measurement
of the bottom of the pins.
tothe position
should be made of the maximum temperature, normally occurring
2. Arecord minimum temperature, normally
previous afternoon and
the
during
the previousnight.
occurring during Once read
measurementsshould be made in degrees Celsius.

3.
Temperature
should be reset by pressing the button in the centre until
the thermometer measuring fluid.
resting against the
koth ofthe pins are back

Min Max

APPLICATIONS
the C
is used to record 50
1 Six's thermometer 60
50

120
during
maximum or minimum temperature 40 40

current temperature
along
aday. It indicates 30 30
and the lowest temperatures 20 20
with the highest
last set. 10
since it was 10

temperatures at
2. It is used to record extreme
10
a location as in meteorology,horticulture,
20 20
etc.
30 30
air temperatures
3. They can be used to measure 40 40
in both °Cand °E. 50 g0 50
120
helps
Recording data over a period of time 736690
4.
and monitor the changes Made Taivan
in
to observe record SPER
CIENTIFIC

in the climate.
used by FIGURE 1.2 Maximum and
5. Six'sthermometer is also popularly
to plan care for Minimum Thermometer
gardeners in greenhouses Picture
plants better.

Soil Thermometer (Fig. 1.3)

PRINCIPLE
modifications in the
the same as that of air thermometer. It has following
It is

design.

DESCRIPTION
that might be
1. The bulb has cover to protect it from the damage
a metallic
in the soil.
experienced while inserting it tothe lower depths
in a wooden case with handle
so that the
2. The entire thermometer is fixed
is firm and the damage is avoided
while inserting it into different depths
grip
in the soil.

thermometer is usually up to 70°C sincethe soil

3. The graduation of thesoil

temperature remains moderate at lower depths.

 Science
of Ecology and Environment
& PracticalManual

PRECAUTIONS
intthe soilprofile before the
hole may be made instrument is
inserted
1. A small
formeasurement.
inserted very gently in the soil
should be profileto
avoid
2. The thermometer
tip.
to the
any damage after a time lapse of at least five
The reading should be recorded minutes to
3.
due to the lack of stabilization.
avoid any error
should be wiped off
the soil particles or any other

4. The instrument foreign

or tissue paper after every use.
materials with any soft cloth (muslin)

APPLICATIONS
and field biologists.
1. It is an importantdevice for the agriculturists
temperature influences aeration, soil moisture content, and the
2. Soil
availability of plant nutrients.

identify the appropriateseason

3. Soil temperaturedata help plant scientist to
of plants.
and suitability of the soil, for growing different types

-Wooden handle

7d
60E

so
J40

30
Wooden case
20€

-Metal cover

A B

FIGURE 1.3 Soil Thermometer A. InstrumentPicture B. Diagrammatic Sketch

4. Soiltemperaturefluctuates along with the ambient temperature and depends

on various other physical properties of soil like texture, structure etc, hence
the temperature record of the soil helps in various agricultural practices like
irrigation of the agricultural lands.

5. It is also suitable for use in soil composting, mushroom cultivation and plant
rearing.
 Instruments Required to Studydifferent MicroclimaticVariables., 9

Anemometer: (Gk:Ancmos = Wind; Meter Measurement): This instrument

measures the wind specd/velocity.

PRINCIPLE

It works on the principle based on laws of thermodynamics, The first law of

thermodynamics, also known as Law of Conservation of Energy, states that

energy cannot be created or destroycd. However, energy can change forms,and

energy can flow from one place to another. The total energyof an isolated system
does not change. Based on this principle, wind which is a form of energy rotates

the blades of VaneProbe Head and converts into mechanical

energy whích further

gets converted to electrical energy. It is then digitally displayed by ampere meter.

There are two types of anemometers - cup anemometer and pressure tube
anemometer. The cup anemometers are used over a large scale measuremnent.

The cups or bladesaremounted on a pivot. They revolve at speeds proportionate

tothe velocity of wind. The stronger the wind the faster the cups or blades rotate
and the higher the reading on the scale. This then moves the indicator of themeter
on a scale that is calibrated in m/sec or Km /hr or Miles / hr.

Digital Anemometer (Fig.1.4)

DESCRIPTION

1. This is a simpler instrument than the above-mentioned anemometer. The

measuring procedure is as follows:

2. Select the Off/On/Hold switch to "On" position.

3. Select the "FunctionSwitch" to "m/s","km/hr",“ft/min'" or knots" position

wind.
according to the requirementsas per the speed of the prevailing
4. Hold the Vane Probe Handle" by hand and let it face opposite to the

measuring air flow source. Now the display will show air velocity directly.

measurement, will hold the display value, if the "Off/On/

5. During the it

Hold" switch is at "Hold"position.

6. The Yellow Dot Mark" on the sensor head should face against the direction

of air flow.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Windspeed should ideally be measured in a large open space away from

tallbuildings, trees etc. which could provide shelter or help funnel winds.

2. Several readings shouldbe taken over a coupleof minutes and an average

taken.

3. Handle the instrumentcarefully.

 Science
and Environment

0 Patkal ManalofEcology

AnKArONS instrument
for installation in weather stations,
isan essential airport control
stations, offshore
Anemometer control stations,
control
sea port
ship%, ainplanes,
other establishments.
ol rigs and many by meteorologists tracking the development
weather prediction
2 Ris used for disturbances.
hurricanes or other related
of
and progress of fluid motion, velocity and
show or measure aspects
Anemometers commonly air.
substance, most
3.

ina gascous fan

direction,
(such as sea fishing industry,
needing wind project
4 Many industries etc.) need to use
the wind speed tester
exhaust convulsions
heating system, operation.
to ensure normal
air velocity mneasurement,
air temperature, the measurement of air
for scientific projects requiring
Itcould be uscd
certain period.
5.

location for
velocity ata particular

AM420D

2.6
I0.9H2.1

2.2
Lomold
On

km
4-108
se -2.5
2.3 m
2.4
ANEMOMETER

2.1 Display
2.2 OFF/ON/HOLDswitch
2.3 Range
2.4 Battery compartment cover

2.5 Vane probe handle

Vane probe head
B 2.6

Picture B. Diagrammatic Sketch

FiGyRE 14 Anemometer A. Instrument

Psychrometer: (Gk: Psychros =Cold; Méter = Measurement):

inventor Ernst
The term psychrometer was coined in 1818 by a German
Ferdinanol August (1795-1870)and means "Cold Measurer",

PRINCIPLE

It is bascd on the principle that the evaporation causes cooling and relative
humidity (RH) is inversely proportional to the temperature of air and wind.)
Higher the temperature of air more is the evaporation and less the RH.Relative is

humidity an indication of the amount ofwater vapor in the aircompared to what

is

itcould hold. It is always given as a percentage. Higher the

percentage, damper
isthe air, for example the RH willbe nearly 100% in fog or
during rainy season.
Wind decreases RH.
 Science
and Environment
Manual of Ecology
10 Practical

APPLICATIONS for installation in weather

instrument stations,
is an essential
control stations,
1. Anenmometer stations, airport offshore
port control
ships,
aiplanes,sea
other establishments.
oil rigs and many tracking the
by meteorologists development
used for weather prediction
2. Itis disturbances.
or other related
progress of hurricanes
and aspects of fluid motion, velocity and
show or measure
Anemometers
most commonly
3. air.

direction, in
a gaseous substance,
(such as sea fishing industry, fan
wind project
industries needing
4. Many etc.)need to use the wind speed tester,
exhaust convulsions
heating system, ensure normal operation.
measurement, to
air temperature, air velocity
the measurement
of air
projects requiring
5. It could be used for scientific
period.
a particular location for certain
velocity at

AM-Q0I T AM-420D

I0.82.1 -2.6

2.2 Lonc

Hold
km
vmio 2.5
LRO-59io
2.3

2.4
4300 g
ANEMOMETER

ANEMOMETER

2.1 Display
2.2 OFF/ON/HOLD switch

2.3 Range
2.4 Battery compartment cover

2.5 Vane probe handle

Vane probe head

B 2.6

B. Diagrammatic Sketch
FIGURE 1,4 Anemometer A. InstrumentPicture

Psychrometer: (Gk:Psychros
=Cold; Méter =Measurement):
in 1818 by a German inventor Ernst
The psychrometer was coined
term
and means "Cold Measurer".
FerdinanolAugust (1795-1870)

PRINCIPLE

evaporation causes cooling and relative.

|Itis based on the principle that the

proportional to the temperature

of air and wind,
(humidity (RH) is inversely
of air more is the evaporationand less is the RH. Relative
Higher the temperature
an indication of the amount of water vapor in the air compared to wnal
humidity is

itcould hold. It is always given as a percentage. Higher the percentage,dampel

is the air, for example the RH will be nearly 100% in fog or during rainy season.
Wind decreases RH.
 11
Instruments Required to Studydifferent Microclimatic Variables....

RH al/temperature andevaporation
RH amoisture content of air

DESCRIPTION
bulb and
1, Psychrometer has two identical thermometers: one with a dry
the other with a wet bulb covered with a cotton wick and dipped in

to keep it
water (a container is attached with the wet bulb thernometer)
continuouslymoist while in use. The reason it is also called Wet & Dry

Bulb Thermometer.
wick by capillarity. evaporates in the
2. The water rises through the cotton It

upper regionaround thebulb and causes cooling.

3. The rateof evaporationof water from the wet bulb is inversely proportional

to the moisture content of the air.

will be lower as compared
4. Hence, the temperature of wet bulb thermometer
upon
to that of dry bulb thermometer. The degree of lowering depends
humidity, higher is the rate
relative humidity. Lower the atmospheric
causes a lowering of the
of water evaporation from the wet bulb, which
temperature.
the dry bulb reading temperature difference between the
and the
5. From
can be measured in percentage
two thermometers, atmospheric humidity
is 100% when the
using Table (Table 1). Relative humidity
Standard
zero.
the two thermometers is
temperature difference between
are:
Two common types of psychrometers
• Rotary Type
• Hanging Type

Rotary Type (Fig.1.5a)

habitats (open field, near high rise
The instrument is taken under different
1.

buildings and under tree canopy).

is thoroughlysoaked by filling

2. The cotton wick of the wet bulb thermometer

the attached container with water.
the handle
rotated freely in the given habitat by holding
3. The instrumentis
firmly to facilitate evaporation.
of both bulbs (dry as well as wet) is
4. After five minutes the temperature
recorded.
to find the value of RH from the
5. The difference of temperature is used
standard table (Table l ).

Hanging Type (Fig.1.5b)

as the one mentioned above.
1. Itworks on the same principle
 22

20

18

16 12

15
Centigrade
14

13
Degree

12
in
11

Bulbs 10
9

Dry

14
and

Wet 6

of 5
4.5

4.0

Readings

3.5

3.0

2.5
Between

2.0

1.5

1.0
Difference
Bulb!

Dry
|Degrees0.5
 Instruments Required to Studydifferent Microclimatic Variables... 13

be
Itdocs not have a handle and cannot
rotated.
2.

tissue culture room etc. for regular observation

3. It is fixed in the laboratory,

round the clock since a specific RH is to be maintaincd constantly in these

areas.

PRECAUTIONS
in the open where there is no hindrance
L. The thermometers should be placed
for the removal of saturated
air.

dry bulb
free contact of moving air to wet and
2. In order to bring a rapid and
gently or an inbuilt fan should
be
instrumentshould either be whirled
the

provided.
should be dust free and thoroughly
3. The wick covering the wet
cotton
bulb

wet with clean water before use.

APPLICATIONS
is an
are used wherever the humidity and precipitation
1. Psychrometers
issue.
in a general environment
the relative humidity of air
2. Psychrometers measure structure, e.g.
or specific area (such as a chamber, room or
such as field

Greenhouses, humidors and saunas).

°C

50E

40E 40

30 30E

20E 20E

10 10E

10E 10E

WET
Cotton
wick
B
A
Sketch
Picture B. Diagrammatic
FIGURE 1.5a Rotary PsychrometerA. Instrument
in order to determine
are generally used in laboratory settings
3. Psychrometers
and chemical reactions.
measurements for experiments
precise old
with valuable,
which are concerned
4. They are alsO used in museums
work.
 Science
14 Practical Manual
of Ecology and Environment

psychrometers to forecast weather

S. Meteonology depends on
for air conditioning maintenance.
Enginees use psychrometers
In
6.
addition
humidity level is required in various manufacturing
appropriate industries.

Dry and Wet Thermometer

DRY WET
c F C DRY WET
C
50 120 50 1/10
F
2/
C
1/1

110
40 40 50 120 50
100 110

30 90 30 40 100 40
80 90

20 70 20 30
80
30

60 70
10 50 10 60
20

40 105
50
-10
30 40

20 0
30
10 20

uaauuatumustamaauanamun
105 10

FIGURE 1.5b Hanging Psychrometer A. Instrument Picture B. Diagrammatic sketch

Luxmeter: (Lux =Unit of light & Meter =Measurement):

Instrumentslike radiometers,Secchi disc and
photometer measure light intensity.

PRINCIPLE

Itworks on the principle

based on laws of
thermodynamics. The first law of
thermodynamics, also known as Law of
Conservation of Energy, states
energy cannot be created or that
destroyed. However, energy can
energy can flow fromone change forms, and
place to another.The total
does not change. Based energy ofan isolatedsystem
on this principle,
converted to electrical
light which is a form of energy
gets
energy and it is then digitally displayed by ampere
A photometer or light meter or meter.
luxmeter is made up oftwo
cell parts; a photoelectric
(photoreceptor) and an ampere meter.
from direct sunlightby The photoelectric cellis protected
filters of known
an electric current as degree. The
soon as light falls on photoelectric cell generates
it. This current
ampere meter or is then
passed into the
micro-ammeter., which
is calibrated
in lux moves a pointer over a
unit. scale. The scale
 Instruments Required to Study different Microlimatic Variables ... 15

of luxmeters inthelaboratory:
There aretwo types
Electronic
Luxmeter

• Digital Luxmeter

DESCRIPTION

Electronic Luxmeter (Fig.1.6a)

lids areprovided. One is with red dots and the other is
1 Two photosensitive

with white dots.

very bright (1000-5000 lux), the
2. For measuring light intensities, which are
The readings are considered from scale which
lid with white dots is used.

is written in black.
lux), the with red
the other hand, for low light intensities (10-1000
lid
3. On
in red is considered.
dots is used and reading written

a metallic plate, which is used in case the

4. Besides these two lids, there is
lux. The plate is marked
reading going out of range that is beyond 5000
is
i.e. with this
X10, it is used in order to cut off ten times light intensity,
in a slot
intensity up to 50,000 lux
can be measured. The plate is inserted

present at the back of the instrument.

Lid with
red dot

Pointer
2000 3000
2000 1000 A000
r400 600
1000
4000 200 &onS0Oa -Scale
b0 1000
S000

KK
KYORITSU
x 10

Plate B

Luxmeter A. InstrumentPicture B. Diagrammaticsketch

FIGURE 1.6a Electronic

Digital Luxmeter (Fig. 1.6b)

instrument. Its photo sensors have
1. It is a highly accurate and sensitive

special features.

2. Display of the reading area is clear.

 Environment Science
16 Practical Manualof Ecology and

the range switch

provided for X1,:
is

3. In this instrument X10 and

depending on the
Thus, we can select the range light
intensity (XI
X100,
intensity). forlow
intensity, X1000 for very high
4. Photocell is attached
with the wire to be exposed tothe light
intensity.
S. The photocell is exposed to light and digital display gives the
readingin
directly. lux

PRECAUTIONS

1. Instrumentshould be kept in open area with proper light for at

least 5
minutes so that the reading gets stabilized before recording.
2. The instrument should be kept on a plane surface area
like
table,floor
so that is least disturbed etc.
it while recording the observations.
3. Care should be taken to protect the photoelectric cell from direct
byusing sunlight
the filters if required. The direct sun light will damage or solarize
the instrument.

4. The metallic plate should be used only when the

reading goes out of the
range of white and red dotted lids.
5. Correct range should be
selected depending on the light intensity.

APPLICATIONS

1. They are used in scientific

experimentationwhere the process is intricately
linked with specific
amount of light requirement.
2. The most common use of a
luxmeter is in photography and video filming.
By measuring the light in
luxes, photographerscan
and depth offield to adjusttheir shutter speed
getthe best picture quality.
3. The device can also be
very useful for filming
outdoor scenes of
programs or movies as it television
allows adjustments to
different light make sure scenes filmed in
levels have a
consistent brightnesson
4. Toavery limited extent, screen.
it is possible
to use a camera as
This works because a
makeshift luxmeter.
some cameras measure
the exposure light and
time automatically adjust
appropriately.
5. Another
common use of a
luxmeter is in
regulations. can be used to
It meeting health
and safety
is
check whether the
enough to meet any rules brightness of a room
damage to designed to protect
their eyesight. workers from suffering
6. Luxmeters
or light
meters are used to
hospitals, measure levels of light in
productionareas,
7. They are laboratories,
schools,
also and
used to monitor passageways.
galleries and archives. light-sensitive
displays in
museums, art
 to Study Microclimatic Variables... 17
Instruments Required different

workplace, clean room and industrial

are used to ensure that
Luxmeters Safety and
with requirements from the Occupational
8.

complies
lighting (OSHA).
Health Administration

Other
for luxmeters include architectural applications.
uses
9

Photo
Display sensor
screen

2000 20000

19990 S0000

1999
JOFT ON
Range
switch

Power
LUX LUX UX

A 01 LUX
METER
L-
LX-101LUXMETER
T
B

Picture B. DiagrammaticSketch
FIGURE 1.6b Digital
Luxmeter A. lnstrument

Rain Gauge (Fig.

1.7)
or a cup)
udometer; ombrometer
Rain Gauge (also known as a pluviometer;

PRINCIPLE trees,
of walls, fences,
space,well clear
The rain gauge isplaced in an open gauge.
1. falling into the
could affect the amount of rain
that the
etc.
the cap)firmly to
metallicdrum, fitted with
gauge (the
2. Fix the rain over.
that, it is not knocked or blown
ground to ensure be mounted 30 cm above
the
gauge should
of the rain splashing fromn
3. Ideally, the rim risk of water
as this reduces the
ground,on a grass
surface,

the ground into the gauge. can be measured

metallic cylinder
rain water collected in the
4. The amount of cylinder after the rain
with the graduated measuring
in millimeter same time each day,
should be recorded at the
5. The amount of
rainfall

normally at 0900 GMT.

DESCRIPTION
The
rainfall or liquid precipitation.
device to measure Cap which
Rain gauge is a simple (ii)Metallic Funnel
like
consists of (i)
Metallic Drum
Simplest type
 Science
18 Practical Manual of Ecology and Environment

Cylinder insidethe closed drum to

gets fitted tothe drum (ii) Metallic
collect
measurs
the rain water falling on the cap (1v) Glass Measuring Cylinder to

collected rain water.

PRECAUTIONS

Handle the apparatuswith care and take all the readings carefully.
1.

2. Remove and measure the volume of rain water before it overflows.

3. The collected rain water should be poured carefully in the measuring

cylinder without any loss.

APPLICATIONS

1. gauge to measure the amount ofrain fall in a single event.

Scientists use rain

like a major storm, or over a prolong period of time.

These records can be

used to compare the rainfall recorded in the past over a similar amount
of

time. The data can then be used to predict how the rainfall might affect

things like harvest and flooding.

Metallic

funnel cap

Metallic
drum

Metallic

cylinder

Rain gauge apparatus Measuring

B cylinder

FIGURE 1.7 Rain Gauge A.InstrumentPicture B. DiagrammaticSketch

2. Measure of rainfall can be an incredibly useful parameter for managing

watering of garden,lawns, agricultural and horticultural lands.

3. It can also help to monitor chemicalsused in the garden,which eventually

enter storm and water drainage systems,adding to ground water pollution.

4. It can also be used to measure mist, heavy dew and even snowfall with
added steps.