5.2. Thiessen Polygon Method

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the purpose of the Thiessen Polygon Method?

   Hint

   Think about how measurements at different locations can affect averages.

2. 2.

   How do you determine the area of influence for a rain gauge?

   Hint

   Consider how you would visually represent areas on a map.

3. 3.

   What does the Thiessen Polygon Method account for when calculating mean precipitation?

   • Uniform data distribution
   • Spatial area influence
   • Time of measurement

   Hint

   Think about which aspect helps improve accuracy.

4. 4.

   True or False: The Thiessen Polygon Method requires an equal number of gauges for accurate results.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember how the method processes area influence.

5. 5.

   A region has five rain gauges measuring rainfall of 50mm, 70mm, 90mm, 30mm, and 110mm respectively. If the gauges have equal area influence, what is the average precipitation using the Thiessen Polygon Method?

   Hint

   How do you calculate the average of a series of numbers?

6. 6.

   Given a rain gauge influenced polygon area of 400 km², how much weight would a rainfall measurement of 80mm contribute to the total mean precipitation calculation if there is another gauge with 200 km² influencing its measurement of 100mm?

   Hint

   Consider how to balance weighted contributions based on area.