We will explain the functioning of the three most commonly used devices. Meteorologists (people who study weather) and researchers have developed numerous measurement devices that enable them to study the extreme variability of rainfall. Variability is a basic feature of rainfall that makes it complex to measure. It can rain a lot in one location and not at all, or with a very different strength, a few kilometers away or even a few hundred meters away. There is also variability in where rainfall occurs. This kind of variability in rainfall is also visible on a larger scale, because as you know, there are wetter months or years and dryer ones. The stronger periods of rainfall are usually quite short. Even during a rainfall event, the strength of the rainfall can constantly change from very light to very strong. When you stay in the same place, it does not rain there all the time. It is very likely that you have already noticed that rain is variable over time. Because rainfall is both a needed resources and a threat, it is important to better understand this natural phenomenon. Rainfall is also necessary, since it provides water to plants and ultimately fills rivers. When rainfall is long and heavy, it can lead to rapid flooding, which is dangerous for the nearby population. Sometimes you are ready with appropriate clothing and sometimes not! Rainfall is sometimes long and light, sometimes short and heavy, and sometimes long and heavy. Rainfall is one of the most commonly shared experiences on Earth, and I will bet you regularly witness it. In this paper, you will learn the functioning of three rainfall measurement devices providing cumulative rainfall depth (tipping bucket rain gauges), size and velocity of falling drops (disdrometers), or rainfall maps (weather radars). It turns out to be pretty tricky because rainfall is extremely variable in time and space. A much needed step to understand better this natural phenomenon is to properly measure it. I am pretty sure that you regularly experience rainfall and sometimes get pretty wet since you do not have the appropriate clothing! Rainfall is both a needed resource, since it fills rivers and provides fresh water, and a potential threat with heavy rainfall leading to (possibly rapid) flooding.
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