What is the primary purpose of a rain gauge?

The primary purpose of a rain gauge is to measure the amount of liquid precipitation, which includes rain, snowmelt, and other forms of moisture collected in a liquid state. This measurement is crucial for various applications, including hydrology, agriculture, and weather forecasting. By providing accurate data on the volume of rainfall over a specific time period, a rain gauge helps meteorologists and scientists analyze weather patterns, assess water resources, and make informed decisions regarding water conservation, flood management, and drought preparedness.

Other purposes listed, such as measuring wind speed, assessing air quality, or predicting floods, are fulfilled by different instruments or methods and do not directly relate to the primary function of a rain gauge.