2.
Measurement of water
1. Rain Guage (draw any 1 diagram)
A rain gauge is a device used to measure the
amount of rainfall. It's a crucial tool for
meteorologists and hydrologists to track
precipitation and understand weather
patterns. Rain gauges typically consist of a
funnel that collects rainwater and channels it into
a measuring container, often a graduated
cylinder, where the rainfall depth is measured in
millimeters or centimeters.
● structure:
A rain gauge usually includes a funnel that collects rainfall and a graduated cylinder
(or other measuring container) to measure the collected water.
● Measurement:
The amount of rainfall is determined by the depth of the water collected in the
measuring container, often expressed in millimeters or centimeters
Applications:
● Meteorology: Rain gauges provide data for weather forecasting and climate studies.
● Agriculture: Farmers use rain gauge data to manage irrigation and understand crop
water requirements.
● Environmental monitoring: Rain gauges help assess water resources and the impact
of rainfall on ecosystems.
● Disaster preparedness: Understanding rainfall patterns is crucial for predicting and
managing potential flood risks
2. Evaporation Measurement (Draw any 1 diagram)
Evaporation, the process where liquid water turns
into a gas, is typically measured using an
evaporation pan or evaporimeter. The most
common type is the U.S. Class A evaporation pan,
a circular pan with specific dimensions, placed on
a wooden base. The water level is measured
regularly, and the difference in water level
indicates the amount of evaporation
Setup:
The pan is placed on a leveled wooden base to allow air circulation underneath and is
filled with water, with the water level maintained at a specific depth below the rim.
Measurement:
The water level is measured daily using a stilling well and a hook gauge, or a
graduated measuring cylinder. The difference in water level over a specific period
(e.g., 24 hours) indicates the amount of water evaporated.
Importance
● Water Cycle:
Evaporation is a crucial part of the water cycle, returning water to the atmosphere.
● Meteorology:
Understanding evaporation is essential for weather forecasting and climate modeling.
● Agriculture:
Evaporation rates influence irrigation needs and crop water requirements.
● Hydrology:
Evaporation is a significant factor in water resource management and planning.
3. Surface flow measurement:
A V-notch Method
A V-notch weir is a device used to measure the flow rate of liquids in open channels,
particularly for smaller flows. It's essentially a plate with a V-shaped notch cut into it,
placed in the path of the flow. By measuring the water level (head) above the bottom
of the V-notch, the flow rate can be determined using established formulas
1.
Installation:
The V-notch weir is placed in the channel, with the notch facing upstream.
2. Flow Measurement:
As the liquid flows over the weir, it creates a curved surface upstream. The height of
this curve (the "head") above the bottom of the V-notch is measured.
3. Calculation:
A formula, often incorporating the angle of the V-notch and the measured head, is
used to calculate the flow rate and discharge coefficient.
Applications:
● Irrigation: Used to measure and control water flow in irrigation systems.
● Stream and River Monitoring: Environmental agencies use them to monitor flow
rates in small streams and rivers.
● Wastewater Treatment: They can be used to monitor the flow of treated effluent.
● Laboratory Experiments: V-notch weirs are commonly used in hydraulics labs to
demonstrate flow measurement principles.
4. Zirpa
Double Ring Infiltrometer:
This method utilizes two concentric rings to
create a controlled area for measurement,
minimizing lateral water flow and ensuring
vertical infiltration
Placement:
Both rings are driven into the ground, with
12 cm extending above the land surface.
The rings are buried 15 cm below the land surface.
Application
● Measuring Soil Infiltration Rate:
It is a widely used technique to determine how quickly water penetrates and is
absorbed into the soil, expressed in units like cm/hr or mm/hr.
● Assessing Soil Hydrophysical Characteristics:
It helps in understanding important soil properties related to water movement, which
is crucial for irrigation, drainage, and agricultural planning
5. Surface water reserves measurement (Diagram is optional)
Surface water reserves, like those in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, can be measured
using several methods. Common techniques include using staff gauges to measure
water level, current meters to assess flow velocity and volume, and calculating area
and depth to estimate total volume.
● Area and Depth:
By measuring the length, width, and depth of a water body, and calculating the
average depth, the total volume of water can be estimated.
Applications:
● River Discharge:
Current meters and staff gauges are commonly used to measure river discharge (the
volume of water flowing past a point per unit of time).
● Lake and Reservoir Volume:
Measuring the area and depth of a lake or reservoir allows for the calculation of its
total volume.
● Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction:
Analyzing radon levels in water bodies can help determine the extent of groundwater
discharge into surface water.
