-L Republic of the Philippines

CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE

F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

ACTIVITY WRITE-UP:

ESTIMATION OF RAINFALL
AB115: LAND AND WATER

CONSERVATION ENGINEERING

Submitted By:

Lagatuz, Reajoy C.

Submitted to:

Engr. Paul Jervin Adrias

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

4th Year, Block A

March 2024
-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

INTRODUCTION

Rain, the planet's lifeblood, is essential to agriculture, water resource management,

ecosystem maintenance, and a host of other human endeavors. For the purpose of

comprehending weather patterns, forecasting floods and droughts, and making wise

judgments in a variety of industries, precise rainfall measurement is essential. This activity

explores three common methods for measuring rainfall: the arithmetic mean, the Thiessen

method, and the isohyetal method.

Arithmetic mean is the simplest method, involving the averaging of rainfall

measurements taken at multiple stations within a specific area. It is easy to calculate and

provides a general overview of average rainfall over the region. However, it doesn't account

for the spatial distribution of rainfall, which can vary significantly within short distances.

On the other hand, 'Thiessen Polygon Method' addresses the limitations of the

arithmetic mean by considering the spatial distribution of rain gauges. It involves

constructing Thiessen polygons, which are areas closer to a specific rain gauge compared to

any other gauge. The average rainfall for each polygon is then multiplied by its area and

summed to obtain a weighted average rainfall for the entire region. This method provides a

more accurate picture of rainfall distribution compared to the arithmetic mean.

Finally, 'Isohyetal Method' involves drawing lines on a map that connect points with

equal rainfall values. These lines are called isohyets.

-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

Rainfall data from various stations are used to interpolate and create a contour map depicting

the spatial variation of rainfall across the region. The isohyetal method provides a visual

representation of rainfall distribution, allowing for easy identification of areas with high or

low rainfall.

In conclusion, each rainfall measurement method has its strengths and weaknesses.

The arithmetic mean is simple but lacks spatial information, while the Thiessen polygon

method considers spatial distribution but requires more data and calculations. The isohyetal

method provides a visual representation but relies on accurate data interpolation. By

understanding these methods, we can effectively measure and analyze rainfall patterns,

leading to better decision-making in various fields. As we strive for a sustainable future,

accurate rainfall measurement remains a crucial tool for managing our water resources and

adapting to a changing climate.

OBJECTIVES

This activity generally aims to determine the importance of rainfall measurements in

analyzing rainfall patterns. It specifically aims to:

1. Give full understanding of rainfall measurements;

2. Recognize how precipitation is measured;

3. Apply the three common methods of rainfall measurements;

4. Have a thorough understanding of the isohyetal approach, thiessen method, and

arithmetic mean.
-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

METHODOLOGY

This section discusses the materials needed and processes for the estimation of

rainfall usining the three methods namely: Arithmetic Mean Method, Thiessen Polygon

Method, and Isohyetal Method.

I. Materials

The materials needed are topographic map, tracing paper, grid paper, pencil, eraser,

ballpoint pen, and ruler.

II. Processes

The following are the step by step processes necessary to accomplish each given

figure.

Figure 1: Arithmetic Mean Method

 Add the rainfall measurements from all stations within your boundary.

 Divide the sum of all the rainfall measurements by the number of stations.

Figure 2: Thiessen Polygon Method

A. Map Preparation

 Plot the location of all rain gauge stations on a within the area.

B. Thiessen Polygon Construction:

 Draw lines connecting each pair of stations.

 For each line segment, draw the perpendicular bisector (a line dividing the segment

into two equal halves).

-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

 The area enclosed by the bisectors and the station location forms the Thiessen

polygon for that station.

 The area is measured using grid method.

C. Calculation:

 Multiply the rainfall recorded at each station by the area of its corresponding Thiessen

polygon.

 Add the products for all stations.

 Divide the sum by the total area of the region.

Figure 3: Isohyetal Method

A. Map Preparation:

 Plot the location of all rain gauge stations and their corresponding rainfall values on a

map.

B. Isohyet Drawing:

 Identify points with the same rainfall value and connect them with lines. These lines

are called isohyets.

 Continue adding isohyets for different rainfall values, creating a contour map

depicting the spatial variation of rainfall.

 The area is enclosed by the contour line and the boundary, and is measured using grid

method.

C. Calculation:

 Multiply each contour points (10, 20, 30, etc.) to its corresponding enclosed area.

 Add the entire product from the previous computation and divide to the total area.
-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section deals with the results and discussion of each data obtained from each of

the rainfall estimation method.

Figure 1: Arithmetic Mean Mehod

Computation:

Average Rainfall = Σ (Precipitationl i) / N

Average Rainfall = 25.4+39+58+55+72.6+90+124.3 (mm) = 66.33 mm

The figure above shows a map with seven (7) rainfall stations namely station C, D, E,

F, G, H, and I which depicts rainfall estimates for various locations. The precipitation value

of each stations are 25.4 mm, 39 mm, 58 mm, 55 mm, 72.6 mm, 90 mm, and 124.3 mm

respectively. The average precipitation is calculated using arithmetic mean method formula.

The result shows that the average precipitation of the seven (7) rainfall stations is 66.33 mm.
-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

Figure 2: Thiessen Polygon Method

Station Pi, mm Area, ha

B 18 14.79
C 25.4 135.74
D 39 208.59
E 58 249.12
F 55 195.81
G 72.6 335.10
H 90 216.51
I 124.3 87.34
K 146 46.71
L 109.4 21.72
At = 1511.54 ha

Calculation:

Average Rainfall = Σ (Precipitation i) (Area i / Total Area)

Average Rainfall = (18) (14.79/1511.54) + (25.4) (135.74/1511.54) + (39)

(208.59/1511.54) + (58) (249.12/1511.54) + (55) (195.81/1511.54) +

(72.6) (335.10/1511.54) + (90) (216.51/1511.54) + (124.3)

(87.34/1511.54) + (146) (46.71/1511.54) + (109.4) (21.72/1511.54)

Average Rainfall = 66.78 mm

-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

The figure above shows a map with twelve (12) stations A-L, in which ten (10) of it is

within the given map boundary namely station B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, and L, with

precipitation value of 18 mm, 25. 4 mm, 39 mm, 58 mm, 55 mm, 72.6 mm, 90 mm, 124.3

mm, 146 mm, and 109.4 mm respectively. The area in each location is the area enclosed by

the Thiessen polygon formed by the bisectors and the station location, the area are 14.79,

135.74, 208.59, 249.12, 195.81, 335.10, 216.51, 87.54, 46.71, and 21.72 in hectares (ha)

respectively. The percentage (%) area is calculted by the area in each station divided by the

total area of 1511.54 ha. Finally, the precicipitation is calculated by the summation of the

product of precipitation and percent area. The result shows that the average rainfall from ten

(10) stations is 66.78 mm.

Figure 3: Isohyetal Method

-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

Pcontour (Isohyets) Area i (ha) P = ( Pcontour * Ai)

20 91.32 1826.4
30 137.10 4113
40 169.52 6780.8
50 179.56 8978
60 172.20 10362
70 196.01 13720.7
80 176.35 14108
90 120.48 10843.2
100 100.03 10003
110 102.24 11246.4
120 43.21 5185.2
130 23.52 3057.6
AT = 1511.54 ha ƩP = 100, 224.3

Computation:

Average Rainfall = Σ (Pcontour*Ai) / Total Area

Average Rainfall = 100, 224.3/ 1511.54 = 66.31 mm

The table above shows twelve (12) precipitation contour with interval of 10 mm. The

contour line starts from 20-130 mm. The area given by the enclosed contour line and

boundary are 91.32, 137.10, 169.52, 179.56, 172.20, 196.01, 176.35, 120.48, 100.03, 102.24,

43.21, and 23.52 in hectares (ha) respectively. The total area is 1511.54 ha. Finally, the

average rainfall is the summation of all product of precipitation contour and area i. The result

shows that the average precipitation from twelve (12) precipitation contour is 66.31 mm.
-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

APPENDICES
-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

Appendix A:

Arithmetic Mean Method

Figure 1: Arithmetic Mean Method

Formula:

Average Rainfall = Σ (Precipitation i) / N

Where:

 Σ (sigma) represents the summation over all stations.

 Precipitation i is the rainfall recorded at station i.

 N is the total number of stations.

-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

Appendix B:

Thiessen Polygon Method

Figure 2: Thiessen Polygon Method

Formula:

Average Rainfall = Σ (Precipitation i) (Area i / Total Area)

Where:

 Σ (sigma) represents the summation over all stations.

 Precipitation i is the rainfall recorded at station i.

 Area i is the area of the Thiessen polygon for station i.

 Total Area is the summation of all area of all stations.

-L Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES- LABO CAMPUS

Appendix C:

Isohyetal Method

Figure 3: Isohyetal Method

Formula:

Average Rainfall = Σ (Pcontour*Area i) / Total Area

Where:

 Σ (sigma) represents the summation of precipitation over all stations.

 Pcontour is the contour delineated at each station.

 Area i is the area of each contour for each station.

 Total Area is the area of the overall boundary.