Paper 4 - Weather measurements

Question 1

How would you use a rain gauge to measure the rainfall over a certain period of time?

Answer 1

-put rain gauge in a field away from buildings/trees
-leave for 24hrs and then check level at the same time each day
-measure water level
-empty the container and replace it

Question 2

A fieldwork study investigates the rainfall at a location and uses 6 rain gauges around the area - suggest why:

Answer 2

-to get a larger sample of results so more reliable
-to identify and avoid anomalies
-to calculate an average

Question 3

Where should a rain gauge be placed?

Answer 3

-on flat land in an accessible area
-clear of buildings/shelter
-clear of trees to avoid interception
-clear of people to avoid interference

Question 4

How would you use a max-min thermometer?

Answer 4

-read the minimum and maximum temperatures every 24 hrs
-read off the bottom of the indices at eye level
-use a magnet to reset the markers

Question 5

How do you use an anemometer?

Answer 5

-the cups spin (but not the anemometer)
-shows/records reading as miles per hour

Question 6

How do you use a wind vane?

Answer 6

-the arrow points in the direction the wind is coming from because it is moved by the wind
-NESW pointers allow the direction to be worked out

Question 7

How would you find relative humidity with a wet-dry bulb thermometer?

Answer 7

-read temperatures both wet and dry bulbs
-calculate difference in temperature between the bulbs
depression
-use relative humidity table
-calculate RH% from table