Approach Overview
Our rainfall simulator combines meteorological science with interactive visualization to create an educational tool that accurately represents precipitation intensity. We prioritize scientific accuracy while maintaining accessibility for learners at all levels.
Scientific Basis
Meteorological standards
Mathematical Accuracy
Verified calculations
Visual Representation
Physics-based simulation
Real-world Scale
Proportional intensity
Scientific Foundation
Rainfall Intensity Classification
We use internationally recognized rainfall intensity categories based on precipitation rate (mm/hour), derived from meteorological standards:
Light Rain
0.1 - 2.5 mm/h (BOM/MeteoSwiss standards)
Moderate Rain
2.6 - 7.5 mm/h (International consensus)
Heavy Rain
7.6 - 50 mm/h (WMO guidelines)
Extreme Rain
>50 mm/h (Severe weather threshold)
Unit Conversion Mathematics
Our conversions are based on fundamental physical principles:
Core Relationship: 1 mm = 1 L/m²
• 1 mm of rainfall over 1 m² = 0.001 m × 1 m² = 0.001 m³
• 0.001 m³ = 1 liter (by definition: 1 L = 0.001 m³)
• Therefore: 1 mm rainfall = 1 L/m² surface area
Technical Implementation
Physics-Based Simulation
Our visualization engine applies fundamental physics principles to create realistic rainfall:
Particle Dynamics
- • Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
- • Terminal velocity calculations
- • Air resistance modeling
- • Droplet size distribution
Visual Scaling
- • Proportional drop density
- • Intensity-based opacity
- • Realistic drop sizes
- • Wind effect simulation
Calculation Algorithms
Intensity to Particle Count
We convert rainfall intensity (mm/h) to visual particle density using empirically validated scaling factors that maintain proportional representation across all intensity levels.
particleCount = baseParticleCount × (intensity / baseIntensity) × scaleFactorˆ(0.7)Real-time Weather Integration
When available, live weather data is processed through standardized APIs and normalized to our simulation parameters while maintaining meteorological accuracy.
Validation & Quality Control
Data Verification Process
Source Verification
Cross-reference with official meteorological data
Mathematical Validation
Verify all calculations and unit conversions
Visual Accuracy
Compare simulation output with real observations
Limitations & Considerations
- • Simplified 2D visualization of complex 3D phenomena
- • Educational representation, not meteorological prediction tool
- • Idealized conditions without local topographic effects
- • Standardized droplet behavior across all intensities
Continuous Improvement
We continuously update our methodology based on:
Research Integration
- • Latest meteorological research
- • Updated international standards
- • Enhanced measurement techniques
- • Improved simulation algorithms
User Feedback
- • Educational effectiveness studies
- • Accuracy validation reports
- • Accessibility improvements
- • Feature enhancement requests
Transparency Commitment: Our methodology documentation is openly available to educators, researchers, and meteorology students. We welcome peer review and collaboration to improve the scientific accuracy of our educational tools.