Data Collection
Data Collection
The data acquired in the rain gauge is in inches and is collected per day, a 24 hour interval
collection of data. The data shows a mixture of dry days, spotty rainfall, and intervals with no rainfall
at all. Examining the rainfall data that was collected from the rain gauge between April 27 and May
27, 2023, reveals a number of trends and shifts in the precipitation. Unexpected rainfall occurrences
that happened in May cast doubt on the researcher's initial hypothesis of a protracted dry season.
The peak precipitation total, which was observed on May 2, points to a major rainfall event during
this time. It is significant to highlight that this analysis exclusively depends on the information
provided, and that further context and information would be needed to fully comprehend the
hydrological risks in the given location.
Month of April Observations:
It is noticeable, that in the first three days of April, it had no recorded rainfall.
On April 30, a rainfall value of 3.5 inches in the rain gauge was recorded with a rainfall intensity of
0.03645833 in/day, indicating the amount of rainfall at the end of the month.
On May 2, the highest rainfall value of 5.5 inches was recorded with a rainfall intensity of
0.03819444 in/day, indicating a significant rainfall event.
From May 4 to May 6, there were consecutive days of rainfall with values of 1.5”, 1”, and 2”, with
rainfall intensities of 0.00781250, 0.00462963, 0.00833333 in/day, respectively.
From May 8 to May 13 there were consecutive days of rainfall with values of 2.75”, 4.5”, 1”, 4”, 4”,
and 1” with rainfall intensities of 0.00954861, 0.01442308, 0.00297619, 0.01111111, 0.01041667,
and 0.00245098 in/day.
Followed by a 4 day rainy days, from May 15 to May 18 with values of 1.5”, 2.5”, 3.5”,and 3.5”
with rainfall intensities of 0.00328947, 0.00520833, 0.00694444, and 0.00662879 in/day.
From May 20 to May 25, were consecutive days of rainfall with values of 1”, 1.5” 2.75”, 2”, 2”, and
3”, with rainfall intensities of 0.00173611, 0.00250000, 0.00440705, 0.00308642, 0.00074405, and
0.00431034 in/day.
The last day of data collection, May 27, had a rainfall value of 1”, with a rainfall intensity of
0.00134409 in/day.
HYETOGRAPH OF RAINFALL VALUE FROM APRIL 27, 2023 - MAY 27, 2023
6.00
5.50
RAINFALL VALUE (INCHES PER
5.00
4.50
4.00
4.00
4.00
3.50
3.50
3.50
3.00
2.75
2.75
DAY)
3.00
2.50
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
1.50
1.50
1.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NO. OF DAYS
CUMULATIVE RAINFALL VALUE FROM APRIL 27, 2023 - MAY 27, 2023
55.00
54.00
54.00
60.00
51.00
49.00
47.00
44.25
50.00
42.75
41.75
41.75
38.25
34.75
40.00
32.25
30.75
30.75
29.75
25.75
CUMULATIVE 30.00
21.75
20.75
RAINFALL VALUE
16.25
13.50
13.50
20.00
11.50
10.50
9.00
9.00
10.00
3.50
3.50
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
NO. OF DAYS
Given the data collected, it is noticeable that by the end of the month the cumulative sum
of rainfall value is very high, giving potential risk to the environment.
Increasing cumulative rainfall can give rise to various potential risks:
Flooding: The accumulation of higher rainfall amounts can saturate the ground and overwhelm
drainage systems, leading to floods. Whether it occurs as intense downpours over a short period or
prolonged heavy rain, this can result in flash floods that cause damage to infrastructure, property,
and pose a threat to human lives.
Landslides: In regions with hilly or mountainous terrain, intense or prolonged rainfall can heighten
the risk of landslides. The cumulative effect of rainfall saturates slopes, destabilizing them and
triggering landslides. These events can have devastating consequences for communities residing in
affected areas.
Soil Erosion: Continuous heavy rainfall, particularly in areas lacking sufficient vegetation cover, can
cause soil erosion. The cumulative impact of rain can wash away topsoil, leading to diminished
agricultural productivity, land degradation, and harm to ecosystems.
Water Contamination: Heavy rainfall can cause runoff from agricultural fields, urban areas, and
industrial sites, carrying pollutants into water bodies. This contamination negatively affects water
quality, impacting ecosystems, and posing risks to human health if consumed without proper
treatment.
Disruption of Transportation: Excessive rainfall and consequent flooding can disrupt transportation
networks, including roads, railways, and airports. Flooded roads and bridges can become
impassable, leading to traffic congestion, delays, and potential accidents.
Crop Damage: While rainfall is vital for agriculture, excessive cumulative rainfall can harm crops.
Waterlogged fields can result in root rot, nutrient leaching, and increased susceptibility to diseases,
leading to crop losses and reduced yields.
Disease Outbreaks: Prolonged periods of rainfall can create favorable conditions for disease-carrying
insects, such as mosquitoes, to breed. This raises the risk of vector-borne diseases like malaria,
dengue fever, and Zika virus outbreaks.
And while everything is recorded accordingly, the researchers still doesn’t recommend to
solely rely on a DIY rain gauge as a reliable source for rainfall data as it does have flaws, such as the
following:
The collection efficiency of a DIY rain gauge, which refers to its ability to capture all the
rainfall within its measurement area, can vary significantly. Factors such as the gauge's
shape, size, and the presence of obstructions or wind can affect the accuracy of rainfall
measurement.
Evaporation and splashing can cause water loss from DIY rain gauges, leading to
underestimation of actual rainfall amounts. External factors like wind or heat can accelerate
evaporation or cause splashing, distorting the measurements.
The accuracy of a DIY rain gauge is influenced by its placement. It should be positioned in an
open area, free from obstacles like trees or buildings that could disrupt rainwater flow.
Exposure to direct sunlight or sheltered locations can also impact the measurements.
Regular maintenance and calibration are necessary for DIY rain gauges to ensure accurate
readings. Neglecting maintenance can result in clogging, damage, or misalignment,
compromising the reliability of the collected data.
Comparing measurements from a DIY rain gauge with those obtained from standard
weather instruments used by meteorological organizations is crucial to evaluate their
trustworthiness. DIY rain gauges often lack such comparisons, making it difficult to assess
their reliability objectively.