Csapadékmér

Csapadékmér is a Hungarian term that translates to "precipitation gauge" or "rain gauge" in English. It is an instrument used for measuring the amount of liquid or solid precipitation over a set period. The most common type of csapadékmér is a simple cylinder with a calibrated scale. Rain falling into the cylinder is collected, and its depth is measured. For more accurate measurements, especially in areas with snow, specialized csapadékmér designs exist that can melt snow before measuring the equivalent liquid water content.

These instruments are crucial for various fields including meteorology, hydrology, and agriculture. Meteorologists use data from csapadékmér stations to understand weather patterns, forecast precipitation, and study climate change. Hydrologists rely on these measurements to monitor water resources, assess flood risks, and manage river basins. Farmers utilize precipitation data to optimize irrigation schedules, predict crop yields, and make informed decisions about planting and harvesting.

Csapadékmérs can be manual, requiring periodic emptying and reading by an observer, or automatic, which can record and transmit data continuously. The placement of a csapadékmér is important to ensure accurate readings, typically in an open area away from obstructions like trees or buildings that could affect the precipitation falling into the gauge. Various standards exist for the design and calibration of csapadékmérs to ensure consistency and comparability of data across different locations and times.