A rain gauge (figure 10) is used to measure precipitation , in liquid (mainly rainfall) form, in millimetres .
The rain gauge consists of an outer cylinder which contains a funnel that directs water into a measuring cylinder. It is partially buried in the ground in an open space away from buildings or trees.
The measuring cylinder is graduated (has markings on the side) to show precipitation levels in millimetres.
Why do you think the rain gauge is buried away from buildings and trees?
Funnel
Measuring cylinder
Outer cylinder
10. A rain gauge The Water Cycle
The water cycle shows the continuous movement of water (in different states such as liquid or gas) within the earth and its atmosphere. Without this continuous cycle, there would be no precipitation.
1 Precipitation: rain, snow, sleet or hail that falls to the ground
2 Surface run-off : water which runs above ground instead of filtering through it
3 Groundwater: water that exists underground
4 Evaporation: heat turns the water from the seas, oceans and lakes into gas (vapour)
5 Transpiration: the transfer of water vapour from vegetation to the atmosphere
11. The water cycle 196
6 Condensation: as the water vapour rises, the temperatures drop and the vapour turns back into liquid and falls to the ground starting the cycle again
Investigate online what type of gauge is used to measure precipitation that falls in the form of snow.