Experiment – 1

Objective: To measure the rainfall in Integral University campus by using Symon’s rain gauge.

Theory: A form of precipitation in which rainfall water reaches the earth from the atmosphere is
measured by an instrument called rain gauge. Rain gauge are of two types.

(1) Recording type rain gauge

(2) Non–Recording type rain gauge.

Selection of site for rain Gauge

While selecting the site for the installation of rain gauge the following points should be kept in
mind.

1. The site should be in levels ground and other types of the ground like hilltops, hill slope,
undulation type of slope is not suitable.
2. The site should be an open space.
3. The nearest object from the rain gauge should be kept at a distance of twice the height of
the object.
4. The site should be easily accessible.
5. The gauge should be truly vertical.
6. 10% of the total number of rain gauge stations of any basin should be self-recording.
7. The observer must visit the site regularly to ensure its proper reading readiness for
measurements

Non-Recording Type Rain Gauge (Symon’s Rain Gauge)

Non-recording type rain gauge is most common type of rain gauge used by meteorological
department. It consists of a cylindrical vessel 127mm in diameter with a base enlarged to 210mm
diameter. At its top section, funnel is provided with circular brass rim which is 127mm exactly so
that it can fit into vessel well. This funnel shank is inserted in the neck of a receiving bottle which
is 75 to 100mm high from the base section and thinner than the cylinder, placed into it to receive
rainfall.

A Receiving bottle has capacity of 100mm and during heavy rainfall, amount of rain is frequently
exceeded, so the reading should be measured 3 to 4 times in a day. Water contained in this
receiving bottle is measured by a graduated measuring glass with an accuracy up to 0. 1mm. For
uniformity the rainfall is measured every day at 8:30AM IST and is recorded as rainfall of the day.

Proper care, maintenance and inspection of rain gauge especially during dry weather is necessary
to keep the instrument free form dust and dirt, so that the readings are accurate

Symons Rain gauge

OBSERVATION TABLE
Date Time (8.30AM) Time (8.30 PM) Total in 24Hr

Result: ?

Discussion Question:
1. What is difference between recording and Non-recording type rain gauge?