Geography question from JKAS Prelims, 2023 by JKPSC
Which of the following correctly explains 'one-inch rainfall measured in a rain gauge'?
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
The amount of water covering the ground to a depth of one inch provided none evaporated, drained off or percolated away.
Why this is the correct definition
A rain gauge measures the vertical depth of water that falls on a flat surface. To get an accurate measurement of the actual "input" from the sky, we have to assume a controlled environment where the water stays exactly where it fell.
If water was allowed to soak into the ground (percolate), run down a hill (drain off), or turn into vapor (evaporate), the measurement in the gauge would no longer represent the total precipitation that occurred. Therefore, the "one-inch" mark represents a theoretical sheet of water one inch deep across the entire area, assuming no losses.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
