Danny MehtaIS 590Dr. Mike FrameSpring 2013

a closer look

Environmental Informatics Monitoring Systems

background

In Knoxville, TN, between the months of February and April 2013—specifically Feb. 12-Apr. 12—it will rain more than in 2012 and 2011 (not together) over the same time period. Since I think it rained heavily in Dec. 2012, I speculate that there will be more of the same in 2013.

hypothesis

The purpose of the dataset is essentially to take a closer look at a natural resource through the simple device of a rain gauge. The aim is to monitor changes, find a way to cull and record data effectively, and present results in a meaningful way.

Rain Gauge Deployment & Process4831 East Summit Circle Apartment 154Knoxville, TN 37919

The gauge was outside the “front yard” of my apartment. I placed it away from any trees that might drip water down and pollute the data. I also made sure there were no overhangs to get in the way, either. It was close enough to my front door that I could keep an eye on it.

continued . . .

source: http://itouchmap.com/latlong.html

Data Analysis-- This is a snapshot of the dataset reflecting the amount of rainfall collected outside my Knoxville apartment between Feb. 12, 2013 and Apr. 12, 2013. Note: Data were not recorded during Spring Break (3/23-3/31).

Rain Gauge Rainfall Collected Outside of 4831 E. Summit Circle, #154, Knoxville, TN 37919 @ 5:30 PM EST

     Date Temperature (degrees

Fahrenheit)Rain Gauge Collection

(inches)

2/12/2013 50 0.52/13/2013 40 0.32/14/2013 50 02/15/2013 43 02/16/2013 30 0.22/17/2013 27 02/18/2013 57 02/19/2013 49 02/20/2013 40 02/21/2013 45 0.12/22/2013 51 1.1

total rainfall collected11.1

in.

continued . . .-- This is a snapshot of the dataset reflecting the amount of rainfall collected by NCDC/NOOA between Feb. 12, 2012 and Apr. 12, 2012. Note: We are merely concerned with Feb. 12 and on; data for all other days and months mirror this format.

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/lcd/lcd.html?_finish=0.03718916912439274

total rainfall (including Spring Break days):

Feb. 12-Feb. 28 = 4.06 in.Mar. 1-Mar. 31 = 6.06 in.Apr. 1-Apr. 12 = 5.56 in.

= 15.68 in.

continued . . .-- This is a snapshot of the dataset reflecting the amount of rainfall collected by NCDC/NOOA between Feb. 12, 2011 and Apr. 12, 2011. Note: We are merely concerned with Feb. 12 and on; data for all other days and months mirror this format.

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/lcd/lcd.html?_finish=0.030307869286717137

total rainfall (including Spring Break days):

Feb. 12-Feb. 28 = 4.09 in.Mar. 1-Mar. 31 = 6.38 in.Apr. 1-Apr. 12 = 2.38 in.

= 12.85 in.

http://www.wordle.net/

ConclusionsPersonal Rain Gauge Data

(Feb. 12, 2013-Apr. 12, 2013,excluding Spring Break)

NCDC/NOAA Data(Feb. 12, 2012-Apr. 12, 2012)

NCDC/NOAA Data(Feb. 12, 2011-Apr. 12, 2011)

12.85 in.

15.68 in.

11.1 in.

My hypothesis was incorrect. Though I thought 2013 would produce more rainfall, 2012 and 2011 each saw more rain. Even if I had included data from Spring Break into my final calculations, I know that the very slight increase in rainfall would not have made a difference.