Hobbies And Interests
Rain Gauges
Rain gauges determine the amount of precipitation received over a given period of time. They consist of a collection vessel and a scale for measuring the quantity of rainwater collected. In order to be accurate, rain gauges need to have an adequate measuring (collecting) area and the collection container should have sharp edges, smooth sides and be deep enough to prevent rainwater from splashing out. Your rain gauge should be accurate to at least 0.2 mm. Rain gauges can be manually operated or self-recording. Generally, self-recording gauges record precipitation over a seven-day period, with a 0.1 mm scale.
Anemometers
Anemometers are devices that measure wind speed and are commonly equipped with vanes to measure wind direction. There are several types of anemometers, including the cup design, propeller design and pitot tube design. In addition to the various types of anemometers, there are three types of wind measurements: instantaneous or actual, wind path meter or day average, and continuous registration. Anemometer devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from complex, self-recording models to simple, hand-held devices.
Barometers
Barometers are devices used to measure the atmospheric pressure. Barometers were one of the earliest, scientific forecasting tools used. There are two common types of barometers: mercury and aneroid. Mercury barometers, also referred to as Torricelli's tube, resemble a large thermometer and use the height of a column of mercury to measure atmospheric pressure. Aneroid barometers use a vacuum and springs to mechanically display variations in pressure. By monitoring atmospheric pressure changes, you can make simple weather predictions. Declining pressure usually indicates the approach of stormy weather and increasing pressure usually indicates fair weather ahead.
Hygrometers
Hygrometers measure the water vapor content of the atmosphere, called humidity. There are six types of hygrometers, each relying on a different method for determining vapor content. These methods include the use of thermodynamics, changes in physical dimensions due to the absorption of water, condensation of moisture, changes in chemical or electrical properties due to absorption of moisture, diffusion of water vapor through a porous membrane, and the absorption spectra of water vapor.
Other Common Devices
There are many other meteorological devices used to measure aspects of our weather. Thermometers are used to record temperatures, both in the sun and in the shade. Evaporation meters measure the ability of the atmosphere to absorb moisture, useful for those engaged in agriculture. Sunshine recorders monitor and record the amount of sunlight received each day.