Weather Instruments

Which instrument is specifically used to measure air pressure?

What weather instrument would you use to measure humidity levels?

Which of the following instruments does NOT measure temperature?

What is the primary use of a rain gauge?

Which of the following is an important aspect of weather that can be tracked?

Where should a rain gauge be placed to ensure accurate measurements?

What is a key reason for placing the rain gauge 30cm above ground level?

Why should rain gauges be positioned far away from buildings?

How would placing a rain gauge on a hard surface affect its readings?

What is a benefit of situating a rain gauge in an area with short grass?

What is the purpose of ensuring there is water in the enclosure of a sling psychrometer?

Why should the sling psychrometer be held at 1 arm's length during measurement?

What is the main reason for swinging the sling psychrometer for 1 minute?

Why is it important to repeat the measurement steps multiple times?

What is calculated using the readings from the wet and dry bulb thermometers?

Weather and Climate Elements

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions at a specific time and location.
Climate refers to the long-term average weather patterns in a particular area.

Weather Instruments

Thermometer: Measures temperature, the degree of hotness or coldness of the atmosphere.
Sling Psychrometer: Measures relative humidity (R.H.), the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature. The wet bulb thermometer measures the temperature of a wet cloth, and the difference between the wet and dry bulb temperatures indicates the humidity.
Rain Gauge: Measures the amount of rainfall accumulated in a specific period.
Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure, the weight of the air pressing down on the Earth's surface.
Weather Tracker: A device that measures and records several weather elements, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and air pressure.

Rain Gauge Placement

Place rain gauges on short grass in open areas to prevent water from trees dripping into the gauge.
Locate the gauge far away from buildings and obstructions to prevent water collected on these surfaces from dripping into the gauge.
Sink the rain gauge into the ground with the rim 30cm above ground to prevent the gauge from toppling over.
Avoid hard surfaces like concrete to prevent water from splashing into the gauge, ensuring accuracy.

Sling Psychrometer Procedure

Ensure there is water in the enclosure (wick) and close the cap
Hold the sling psychrometer at 1 arm’s length
Swing for 1 minute at 360°
Read and record the temperature of both thermometers, repeat the above steps at least 3 more times
Calculate the wet bulb depression

Sling Psychrometer Rationale

The wet bulb thermometer needs water to function
Avoid picking up body heat to get accurate readings, safety reasons
Maximise exposure to surrounding unsaturated air to allow water to evaporate
Averaging out inconsistencies to ensure accuracy

Test your knowledge on the essential elements of weather and climate along with the instruments used to measure them. This quiz covers definitions and functionalities of various weather instruments like thermometers and barometers. Perfect for students studying meteorology or environmental science.