24.5. Measurement of Interception

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is gross precipitation?

   Hint

   Think about how rainfall is quantified.

2. 2.

   What is throughfall?

   Hint

   Consider what happens to rain when it lands on trees.

3. 3.

   What does gross precipitation refer to?

   • Rainfall measured in open areas
   • Water that has evaporated
   • Total water stored in soil

   Hint

   Consider where the measurement takes place.

4. 4.

   Is throughfall the water that reaches the ground after going through vegetation?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the water's journey through trees.

5. 5.

   A scientist measures gross precipitation at 400 mm, with 150 mm as throughfall and 50 mm as stemflow. What is the interception loss?

   Hint

   Apply the interception loss formula.

6. 6.

   In a study, researchers found that a region has a dense forest canopy with Pg at 500 mm, Tf at 250 mm, and Sf at 70 mm. Calculate the interception loss and discuss its implications for soil moisture.

   Hint

   Use the interception formula to find the value and consider how this impacts hydrology.