It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
The yearly rainfall average is a vital piece of rainfall climate data. It is recorded through a variety of methods. Precipitation includes rainfall, snow, sleet, hail, and other forms of water falling to the ground and is measured in units over a given time period. Precipitation is commonly shown in inches per twenty four hour period in the United States. If four inches of rain fell in a twenty four hour period and the water wasn’t absorbed into the ground nor did it flow away downhill, then there would be a four inch layer of water covering the ground. In other words, it would have been raining cats and dogs.
There are many different types of rain gauges used to get a rainfall measurement. The first is the standard eight inch rain gauge. The second way to measure new rainfall is by weighing a bucket of rainwater. The third type is called the tipping bucket method. Lastly, there is the high tech electronic rain gauge. Rain gauges can be plastic or glass and are quite a convenient way to determine whether it was just a tiny sprinkle or whether it was raining cats and dogs. They are typically placed on a fence post or any other platform that is without obstruction. There are calibration marks on the side of the gauge, and the rainfall measurements are read directly off of it.
In order to measure rainfall precisely, the gauge should be located out in the open and away from tall buildings, trees and any other obstructions. Inaccurate measurements are taken if the gauge is too close to large, impeding objects. The science behind the gauges isn’t totally precise, as water that is blowing or falling off of structures can enter the gauge, showing that it was raining cats and dogs when in actuality, it was only a moderate rain shower.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treat anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various anxiety attack medications available at anxietydisordercure.com.
Filed under: Emergency Medical Supplies
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