Question
Which rain gauge would be least accurate for measuring heavy rainfall? View Available Hint(s) \( \begin{array}{l}\text { any open container } \\ \text { weighing gauge } \\ \text { tipping-bucket gauge } \\ \text { standard rain gauge }\end{array} \)
Ask by Colon Lee. in the United States
Feb 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
An open container would be the least accurate for measuring heavy rainfall.
Solution
To determine which rain gauge would be least accurate for measuring heavy rainfall, let's analyze the options provided:
1. **Any open container**: This type of gauge can collect rainwater but may overflow during heavy rainfall, leading to inaccurate measurements.
2. **Weighing gauge**: This gauge measures the weight of the collected rainwater. It can handle heavy rainfall effectively, as it continuously measures the weight without the risk of overflow.
3. **Tipping-bucket gauge**: This gauge measures rainfall by tipping a bucket when a certain amount of water is collected. It can also handle heavy rainfall, but if the rain is too heavy, it may not tip accurately, leading to potential underestimation.
4. **Standard rain gauge**: This is a cylindrical container that collects rainwater. It can measure rainfall accurately but may overflow during very heavy rainfall.
Considering these points, the **open container** would be the least accurate for measuring heavy rainfall, as it is prone to overflow and cannot provide a reliable measurement under such conditions.
Thus, the answer is: **any open container**.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Beyond the Answer
An open container is likely to be the least accurate choice for measuring heavy rainfall. While it can collect water, its open design makes it susceptible to evaporation, splashing, and debris, which can skew the results, especially during intense downpours. In contrast, tipping-bucket gauges and weighing gauges are specifically designed to handle heavy rainfall without losing accuracy, offering more reliable measurements thanks to their enclosed structures and precise mechanisms for calculating the amount of precipitation.