Tippkularegnmätare

Tippkularegnmätare, sometimes translated as tipping bucket rain gauge, is a type of rain gauge used to measure precipitation. It operates by collecting rainfall in a small, funnel-shaped receiver. This receiver is designed to tip over when a specific amount of water has accumulated, emptying its contents.

As the receiver tips, it triggers a mechanism that registers a "tip" or a count. Each tip corresponds to a predefined volume of rainfall, typically a fraction of a millimeter. Electronic versions of the tipping bucket rain gauge often include a reed switch that is activated by a magnet attached to the tipping bucket. This allows for continuous recording of rainfall events.

The primary advantage of a tipping bucket rain gauge is its ability to provide a high-resolution record of rainfall intensity over time. It is particularly useful for monitoring short, intense rainfall events. However, it can be susceptible to errors, especially in cases of very light or very heavy rainfall. In very light rain, the water may evaporate before reaching the tipping point, leading to underestimation. In extremely heavy rainfall, the bucket may not have enough time to empty completely between tips, causing an overestimation.

Tippkularegnmätare are commonly used in meteorological stations for weather monitoring and forecasting, as well as in hydrological studies for water resource management. They are a widely adopted instrument due to their relatively simple design and the detailed data they can provide. Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensure accurate measurements.