How To Calculate Rain Intensity Leave a comment

Rain intensity is a measure of how much rainwater falls in a given period of time. Calculating rain intensity is an important process in the science of Meteorology and Hydrology, as this information helps in flood modeling, drainage system planning, and climate analysis. In this article, we will describe some of the common methods used to calculate rainfall intensity.

Pluviometer Method

One method commonly used to measure the intensity of rain is to use a device called a pluviometer. Pluviometer is a device designed specifically to collect and measure the volume of rainwater that falls in a location over a certain period of time.

To calculate the intensity of rain with a pluviometer, the following steps can be followed:

Place the pluviometer in a representative location. Choose a location that is open and free of obstacles such as trees or buildings that can prevent rain from falling directly onto the appliance.

Make sure the pluviometer is clean and free of rainwater before the measurement begins.

After the rain stops or at a certain time interval, read and record the height of the collected rainwater in a pluviometer. Typically, pshteratesport.blogspot.com water height is measured in millimeters or inches.

Calculate the volume of rainwater by multiplying the surface area of the pluviometer reservoir by the height of the collected water. For example, if the surface area of the pluviometer is 100 cm2 and the height of the collected water is 20 mm, then the volume of rainwater is 100 cm2 × 20 mm = 2000 cm3 or 2 liters.

To get the intensity of the rain, divide the volume of rainwater by the duration of the measurement time. For example, if the volume of rainwater is 2 liters and the duration of the measurement is 1 hour, then the intensity of the rain is 2 liters / 1 hour = 2 liters/hour.

This pluviometer method can provide accurate results if the pluviometer is placed correctly and measurements are made consistently.

Cumulative Precipitation Method

Another commonly used method for calculating rain intensity is to use cumulative rainfall data. Cumulative rainfall Data is data that presents the total amount of rain that occurs during a given period of time in a location.

To calculate the intensity of rain by this method, the following steps can be followed:

Get cumulative rainfall data from reliable sources, such as meteorological agencies or water management agencies.

Specify the duration of time you want to use to calculate the intensity of the rain, for example 1 hour.

Take two separate cumulative rainfall data in the same time period, for example, cumulative rainfall data in the 2nd hour and 3rd hour.

Subtract the cumulative rainfall data of the 3rd hour with the cumulative rainfall data of the 2nd hour. For example, if the cumulative rainfall data at the 2nd hour is 20 mm and the cumulative rainfall data at the 3rd hour is 30 mm, then the difference is 30 mm-20 mm = 10 mm.

Divide the difference by the length of time you specify. For example, if the difference is 10 mm and the time duration is 1 hour, then the intensity of the rain is 10 mm / 1 hour = 10 mm/hour.

This method allows you to calculate the intensity of rain using the available data, even if you do not have a pluviometer or other direct measuring device.

Use Of Satellite Weather Data

In addition to the methods mentioned above, advanced technologies such as the use of satellite weather data can also be used to estimate rainfall intensity. Satellite weather Data can provide information about cloud patterns and the development of rain systems in a region.

In the use of satellite weather data, more complex processing and calculation methods are used. It involves satellite image analysis, mathematical modeling, and remote sensing techniques.

Although this method is more complicated, the use of satellite weather data can provide forecasts of rainfall intensity with greater coverage of the region and with better time resolution.

Conclusion

Calculating rainfall intensity is an important step in modeling and understanding weather and hydrological analysis. The methods mentioned above, such as the use of pluviometers, cumulative rainfall data, and satellite weather data, can be used to calculate rain intensity with a level of accuracy that suits your needs. It is important to always refer to official guidelines and use tools that meet the standards to obtain reliable results.