Sunday 25 October 2015

The Clinometer: Three Occupations That Use This Device

By Carey Bourdier


While you probably took a basic geometry class long ago and forgot much of what you learned, there are many jobs for which knowledge of geometry comes in handy all of the time. During our geometry class, we all used a protractor and a compass, but there are plenty of other helpful geometric and optical instruments that can be used by those who apply geometry or trigonometry to their daily work. The clinometer, for instance, is a tool used by many different types of professionals.

1. Sailors Use Clinometers As A Meteorological Tool

If you are a sailor or operating a power boat, then you definitely understand the importance of understanding weather patterns and weather conditions. Professional or Naval ship captains, as well as those who sail for fun, all have to keep their eye on the weather. The clinometer can be a helpful device for those who are out on the sea. While you might have a plethora of technology on board your craft, the possibility of electrical failure or satellite problems do exist, so learning how to use a clinometer can be handy.

Learning how to use a clinometer, combined with some general knowledge of meteorology can be a boon if you are without working instrumentation. The clinometer can help you measure cloud height. Different types of clouds form at different elevations and these clouds indicate unique weather conditions. Changes in cloud height also can be important to note as these can indicate weather changes. By watching cloud movement, you can determine where a squall might be moving. For instance, when a cumulus cloud starts to quickly increase its vertical height, this can mean that a thunderstorm could occur. So when you see puffy cumulus clouds transform into a more vertical cumulonimbus formation, this could mean that heavy rain, lighting and high winds are coming.

2. Managing Forests With A Clinometer

If you have never heard about the job of a forester, you probably could at least guess that it must be in some way related to trees. A forester or forestry technician is a job concerned with the management of all types of forests. This includes protected forest lands as well as forests used for logging.

Part of managing a forest includes collecting a great deal of data about the various trees in the forest. One important calculation is tree height and this is where the clinometer comes into play. A forester stands a set distance from a tree, and holds the clinometer and adjusts the device to measure the angle from the point of observation to the top part of the tree. After recording this data, one can then calculate the approximate height using a mathematical formula.

3. Geologists Rock Out With Clinometers

When you think about geologists, you probably simply think about rocks. But this is a much more complex profession, and geology is actually the study of the earth itself and the materials that make up the earth. The clinometer is used by geologists to help them calculate the height of large rocks as well as mountains and rock walls, which is similar to the way in which foresters use this optical instrument.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment