Question

Which of the following is a non-automatic rain gauge ?

• A. Syphon type rain gauge
• B. Symon's rain gauge
• C. Weighing bucket rain gauge
• D. Tipping bucket rain gauge

Hint:

The key difference is continuous recording.
- Automatic/Recording Gauges (Tipping Bucket, Weighing, Syphon) produce a graph of rainfall vs. time (a hyetograph).
- Non-Automatic Gauges (Symon's) only give the total rainfall depth over a period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the rain gauge from the list that is non-automatic (i.e., requires manual measurement).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Rain gauges are classified into two main types:
1.

Non-automatic (or Non-recording) Rain Gauges: These gauges simply collect the rainfall over a period (typically 24 hours). An observer must manually visit the gauge, pour the collected water into a graduated measuring cylinder, and record the amount. The

Symon's rain gauge is the standard non-automatic rain gauge used in India and many other countries.
2.

Automatic (or Recording) Rain Gauges: These gauges continuously record the rainfall over time, providing information about the intensity and duration of the storm. They do not require an observer to be present for each reading. The main types are: -

(D) Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge: Funnels rain into a small bucket that tips over each time it fills with a known small amount of rain (e.g., 0.2 mm), triggering an electronic signal for each tip. -

(C) Weighing Bucket Rain Gauge: Collects rain in a bucket placed on a weighing scale. The continuous increase in weight is recorded on a chart or electronically. -

(A) Syphon Type Rain Gauge (or Float Type): Collects rain in a chamber with a float. As the water level rises, the float rises, and a pen attached to it records the rainfall on a rotating drum. When the chamber is full, the water is automatically siphoned out.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Symon's rain gauge is a non-automatic rain gauge.