Drizzle Rainfall Measurement: Stainless Steel vs Optical Rain Gauges

Drizzle is a precipitation phenomenon characterized by fine and gentle raindrops with a relatively small precipitation amount. The monitoring of rainfall is mainly achieved by measuring the precipitation amount per unit area within a unit of time.

Meteorologically, the precipitation amount is usually measured in millimeters (mm). For example, a precipitation amount of 1 millimeter is equivalent to 1 liter of water falling on an area of 1 square meter. Drizzle generally ranges from 0.1 to 2.5 millimeters per day.

There are various instruments available for monitoring the rainfall amount of drizzle.

The Stainless Steel Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge is a commonly used one. It consists of a receiving opening, a funnel, a tipping bucket, etc. When rainwater enters the tipping bucket and reaches a certain amount, the tipping bucket flips and triggers a signal to record the rainfall amount.

The Optical Rain Gauge can also be used for measurement. The Optical Rain Gauge is based on the optical principle. The light source and the sensor calculate the rainfall amount by analyzing the changes in light intensity caused by the refraction and scattering of light rays by raindrops. It is sensitive to the detection of drizzle, with non-contact measurement and relatively simple maintenance.

These types of rainfall monitors are all commonly used rain-measuring tools, each having its own advantages. It is recommended to purchase a rain gauge according to specific requirements.