PERPUSTAKAAN UMP

100
I0I0I0111 0011111
0000092793

ANALYSIS OF RAINFALL PATTERN BY USING NEW WEATHER STATION IN

UN! VERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG (UMP), CAMPUS GAMBANG

TEO WE! HUT

Report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
B.Eng (Hons.) Civil Engineering

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Earth Resources

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

JUNE 2014
 vi

ABSTRACT

The set-up of weather station is inevitable to collect the data in order to identify the
rainfall pattern of certain area. The collected data also can be used for research and
planning our daily activities. Although there is one weather station existed in Universiti
Malaysia Pahang (MP) Gambang, the location is no longer suitable to collect the
weather data. The weather station in UMP Gambang is needed to relocate due to
obstructions and developments in vicinity which may affect the accuracy of the data. The
set-up of weather station is conducted at UMP Gambang. The ideal criteria and new
location that fulfil the requirement to set up a weather station are at Kolej Kediaman 2
UMP Gambang. The ideal location and criteria is determined by refer to maival and
standard guidelines. The data from Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Malaysian
Meteorological Department and weather station of UMP Pëkan is used for analysed
rainfall pattern. The rainfall data collected from the weather station UMP Gambang were
also analysed to identifythe effect- of rainfall pattern due to weather change. The
relationship between relative humidity, temperature and wind speed towards the rainfall
pattern is analysed. When there are increases of temperature, the relative humidity is
relatively lower and affects the amount rainfall. Although the relative humidity of the
surrounding is very high, it is not necessary having rainfall. Besides that, it is found that
the yearly rainfall amount from 2009 to 2013 for surrounding area Gambang shows not
consistent for 5 consecutive years. The minimum and maximum total yearly data is
14176.1 mm and 19904 mm at 2010 and 2009 respectively.
 vi'

ABSTRAK

Penubuhan stesen kaji cuaca adalah penting untuk mengumpul data demi mengenal pasti
corak hujan di sesuatu tempat. Data yang dikumpul juga boleh digunakan untuk tujuan
penyelidikan dan perancangan aktiviti harian. Walaupun terdapat satu stesen kaji cuaca
wujud di Universifi Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Gambang, lokasi tersebut tidak lagi sesuai
untuk mengumpulkan data cuaca. Stesen kaji cuaca di UMP Gambang perlu ditempat
semula disebabkan halangan dan perkembangan di sekeliling yang boleh menganggu
ketepatan data. Penubuhan stesen kaji cuaca dijala±hh di UMP Gambang. Lokasi barn
yang dapat memenuhi kriteria unhiik menubuhkan sebuah stesen kaji cuaca adalah di
Kolej Kediaman 2 UMP Gambang. Lokasi dan kriteria sebuah stesen kaji cuaca dapat
ditentukan dengan merujuk kepada garis panduan mnua1 dan standard. Data daripada
Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran, Jabatan Meteorologi Malaysia dan stesen kaji cuaca UMP
Pekan turut digunakan untuk menganalisis corak hujan. Data hujan yang dilwmpul dan
•stesen kaji cuacaUMP Gambang-turut diänalisis-untuk-rnengenalpastikesan corak hujan
disebabkan perubahan cuaca. Hubuñgan antara kelembapan, suliu dan kelajuan angin
kepada corak hujan dapat ditentukan selepas analisis. Apabila terdapat peningkatan suhu,
kelembapan relatif adalah lebih rendah dan memberi kesan kepada jumlah hujan. Hujan
tidak semestinya berlaku walaupun kelembapan relatif persekitaran adalah sangat tinggi.
Di samping itu, didapati bahawa jumlah hujan tahunan antara 2009 sehinnga 2013 bagi
kawasan sekitar Gambang menunjukkan tidak konsisten selama 5 tahun berturut-turut.
Jumlah data hujan tahunan minimum dan maksimum masing- masing adalah 14176.1 mm
dan 19904 mm pada 2010 dan 2009.
 viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
SUPERVISOR'S DECLARATION
STUDENT'S DECLARATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v
ABSTRACT Vi

ABSTRAK vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS viii
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OFFIGITRES xii
LIST OF SYMBOLS XV

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xvi

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study 1

1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Research Objectives 2
1.4 Scopes of Study 2
1.5 Significant of Study 3

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Malaysia C1imtte 4

2.2 Rainfall 4
2.3 Weather change and rainfall 6
2.4 Effect of Climate Chahge 7
2.5 Weather Station Equipment for Integrated Sensor Suite 8
2.6 Ideal Criteria Location to Set Up a Weather Station 10
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CHAPTER 3 STUDY AREA

3.1 Introduction 12
3.2 Location of Hydrological Station 14
3.3 Location of Meteorological Station at Pahang 15
3.4 Location of Weather Station at UMP Gambang 16
3.5 Location of Weather Station at UMP Pekan 17

CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY

4.1 Introduction 19
4.2 Flow Chart 20
4.3 Discussion with Supervisor 21
4.4 Site Work 21
4.5 Testing Weather Station 21
4.6 Hardware Implementation 22
4.7 Software Implementation 22
4.8 Data Collection 23

CHAPTER 5 WEATHER STATION SETUP

5.1 Site Work 24

5. 1.1 Boundary Set Up, Formwork and Concrete the Column of the
Fence 25
5.1.2 Installment of the Fence Wire 27
5.1.3 Installment of the Console Box at KK2 29
5.2 Hardware Implementation 30
5.3 Software Implementation 33
5.3.1 Software Setup 33
5.3.2 Download Data 44
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CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS FOR TEMPERATURE, WIND SPEED,

RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND RAINFALL DATA

6.1 Introduction 48
6.2 Data from Department of Irrigation and Drainage 48
6.3 Data from Malaysian Meteorological Department 62
6.4 Data Weather Station at UMP Gambáng and 74
6.4.1 Data Weather Station at UMP Gambang 74
6.4.2 Data Weather Station at UMP Pekàn 78

CHAPTER 7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

7.1 Introduction 84
7.2 Conclusion 84
7.3 Recommendation 85

REFERENCES 87
APPENDICES
A
Data weather station in UMP Gambang 89
 xi

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page

3.1 The selected hydrological station at Kuantan 14

3.2 The list of meteorological station at Pahang 15

6.1 Station number and name 49

6.2 The total monthly data for year 2009 49

6.3 The total monthly data for year 2010 51

6.4 The total-monthly data-for-Year-201-1 53

6.5 The total monthly data for year 2012 55

6.6 The total monthly data for year 2. 013 57

6.7 The data online and data weather station Gambang 60

6.8 Data for year 2008 62

6.9 Data for year 2009 64

6.10 Data for year 2Ol0 66

6.11 Data for year 2011 68

6.12 Data for year 2012 70

6.13 The data for 5 consecutive years for Kuantan station 72

6.14 Data for weather station UMP, campus Gambang 74

6.15 Hourly data for weather station at 11st April 2014 76

6.16 The data of weather station UMP Pekan for 7 th June 2010 78
6.17 The data of weather station UMP Pekan for 20th April 2011 80
6.18 The data of weather station UMP Pekan for 5th August 2013 82
 xii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

3.1 Maps of Peninsular Malaysia 13

3.2 Location of hydrological station in Kuantan 14

3•3 Location of meteorological station in Kuantan 16

3.4 Location of weather station at UMP Gambang 17

3.5 Location of ISS at UMP, campus Pekan 18

3.6 Vantage Pro 2 console 18

4.1 Methodology flow chart 20

4.2 Calibration of weather station at laboratory 22

5.1 Measurement for the length of the column 25

5.2 Setting boundary line for the site 26

5.3 Measurement from ground level 26

5.4 Concreting the column 27

5.5 The column stands stiff after formwork removal 28

5.6 The installed fencing 28

5.7 The location of the console box 29

5.8 Create a new station 34

5.9 Key in the station name 34

5.10 Walkthrough 35
5.11 Walkthrough 35
5.12 System configuration 36
5.13 Walktbrough 36
 xlii

5.14 Setting of communication port 37

5.15 Walkthrough 38

5.16 Unit selection 38

5.17 Walkthrough 39

5.18 Walkthrough 39

5.19 Walktbrough 39

5.20 Walkthrough 40

5.21 Walkthrough 40
5.22 Walktbrough 40
5.23 Walkthrough 41
5.24 Walktbrough 41
5.25 Key in latitude and longitude 42
5.26 Walkthrough 42
5.27 Walkthrough 43
5.28 Walkthrough 43
5.29 Walktbrough 44
5.30 Open a station 44
5.31 Download the station 45
5.32 Browse the station data 45
5.33 Start the strip charts 46
5.34 Make aplot 46
5.35 Start the weather bulletin 47
6.1 The graph of total monthly rainfall versus month for year 2009 50
 xiv

6.2 The graph of total monthly rainfall versus month for year 2010 52

6.3 The graph of total monthly rainfall versus month for year 2011 54

6.4 The graph of total monthly rainfall versus month for year 2012 56

6.5 The graph of total monthly rainfall versus month for year 2013 58

6.6 The graph data online and data weather station Gambang 61

6.7 Graph of mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and mean

wind speed for Kuantan station in 2008 63

6.8 Graph of mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and mean

wind speed for Kuantan station in 2009 65

6.9 Graph of mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and mean

wind speed for Kuantan station in 2010 67

6.10 Graph of mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and mean

wind speed for Kuantan station in 2011 69

6.11 Graph of mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and mean

wind speed for Kuantan station in 2012 71

6.12 The data for 5 consecutive years for Kuantan Station 72

6.13 Graph, of mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and mean

wind speed for April 2012 for weather station campus Gambang 75

6.14 The hourly data on 11 April 2014 for weather station campus
Gambang 77

6.15 The hourly data on 7th June 2010 for weather station UMP
campus Pekan 79

6.16 The hourly data on 20th April 2011 for weather station UMP
campus Pekan 81

6.17 The hourly data on 5th August 2013 for weather station UMP
campus Pekan 83
 xv

LIST Of SYMBOLS

% Percent

Degree

oc Degree Celsius

cm Centimetre

E East

km Kilometres

m -Meter

m/s Meter per second

mm Millimetres

N Noith
 xvi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CD Compact Disc

DID Department of Irrigation and Drainage

GPS Global Positioning System

JPCC International Panel on Climate Change

ISS Integrated Sensor Suite

JKR Jabatan Kerja Raya

JPS Jabatan Pengáiran- dan- Sáliran

KK2 Kolej Kediamàn 2

MMD Malaysian Mete9roldgical Department

UMP Universiti Malaysia Pahang

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Weather and climate are the elements which interrelated with each other. The
term that makes the difference between weather and climate are in terms of duration.
Weather usually describes the particular event or condition for a short period of time such
as hours or days whereas climate refers to the behavior of the atmosphere to a place over
many years. On the other hand, weather includes current atmospheric conditions such as
the temperature, precipitation, humidity and wind while climate describes the general
weather conditions of a certain area over a long period of time. It shows that weather is a
highly variable since it may change in a short time but climate is not.

Weather data re important in our daily life. The data collected such as rainfall
and temperature can be used to serve as a precautionary measure to against natural
calamity or disaster such as flood and drought. Besides, it is also important for others to
p lan the works. For example, in construction industry, the weather data is important for a
project manager, to plan their schedule so that the project can complete in time. The
weather data collected for a long period can be used to predict the climate change in
future trends. The weather data collected for the past decade can be used to analysis in
order to identify the pattern of climate change.

Weather station is one of the devices to collect the weather data. The weather data
Such as precipitation, humidity, temperature and wind speed can be collected by using
 2

this device. The usage of weather station is increasing popularity among the nation.
Weather station is a device that can update the weather data in a more quickly and
frequent way. It can collect the data in minutes or hourly based on the setting mode. The
user can change the setting mode according to the purpose of the project respectively.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

There is one weather station existed in University Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

However, the placement of the weather station has now been inappropriately since many
developments and obstructions are taken around the weather station. The obstructions
will affect the exactness of the data: In order to increase the accuracy of data, a new
weather station is proposed and builds to determine the climate data. Since there is no
other weather station around Gambang area, the weather station in UMP can be used to
collect the climate data.

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are as following:

i. To determine the ideal criteria to set up a weather station

ii. To set up the new location of weather station in UMP Gambang
iii. To determine the rainfall data of Gambang area by using weather station in UMP
Gambang and rainfall pattern of Gambang area from Department of Irrigation and
Drainage (DID)
iv. To determine how the change of weather data affect the rainfall pattern

1.4 SCOPES OF STUDY

The study will be conducted at IJIvIP Gambang. A new weather station will be built
On lands that are free from obstructions such as building and plants. The suitable location
Of the site proposes will be at the field at Kolej Kediaman 2 in UMIP. The procedure for
 3

the installation of weather station will follow the guideline and the manual provided.
After the weather station is setup, the weather data such as humidity, wind speed,
temperature and rainfall data will be recorded by the weather station. An observation of
21 days is carried out. Additional sources of data are obtained from Malaysian
Meteorological Department and Department of Irrigation and Drainage to compare the
rainfall pattern. Besides that, the selected data is taken from weather Station Pekan to
study the rainfall pattern at Pekan.

1.5 SIGNIFICANT OF STUDY

This study can help the future researchers to understand well the rainfall pattern
of Gambang area. The rainfall, humidity and other data collected by weather station in
UMP can be used as a reference for researcher since there is no other weather station in
Gambang area. Besides, the data obtained from Department of Irrigation and Drainage
(DID) and Meteorology Malaysia Department (MMD) from previous years can be used
to observe the trends of change of rainfall pattern. In addition, students are exposed to a
new experience to setting up of a weather station.
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review is a general overview which related to the study. The
literature review is done by reading and searching the related information from other
sources such as journals, book, press release, handbook, local and international
conferences paper which relevant with the study.

2.1 MALAYSIA CLIMATE

Malaysia is located at South East part of Asia where Peninsular Malaysia and East
Malaysia is separated by the South China Sea. There are thirteen states and three federal
territories in the country. Malaysia is observed to have a tropical climate; means the
average temperature of the country are usually range from 21 °C to 32 °C and the
humidity is range in between 70 % to 90 %. Tangang et al. (2012) states that the
temperature of Malaysia may rise 3-5 °C at the end of the 21st century.

2.2 RAINFALL

Water is the utmost important element and is vital in every living life. Water is
important in all aspect such as transportation, irrigation in agriculture, domestic
consumption and for other use purpose (Tam and Ibrahim, 2012) The availability of
Water in any area is come from rainfall or precipitation. The excessive or absence of
rai nfall event will cause flooding and drought respectively. The rainfall is an important
Consi deration in design runoff conveyance and erosion control system. The rain gauge
 5

can be used to measure the amount of rainfall since it has a quite high level of accuracy in
measuring the amount of rainfall (Pettazzi & Salson, 2012).

In Malaysia, the rainfall is depends on two monsoon seasons which is southwest

monsoon and northeast monsoon. Southwest monsoon seasons where ongrnated from
deserts of Australia usually started from May to August whereas the northeast monsoon
seasons which originated from China and north Pacific commence between November
and February. Besides, there are two transition period of inter-monsoons period which
usually starts from March to April and from September to October which brings heavy
rainfall. The direction of the wind in this inter-monsoon season is variable and usually
more than 10 knots (Ho & Yusof, 2012). Due to-the seasonal- raiñfalVin EMalaysia; The
probability for occurrence of rainfall amount is varying during the whole year (Suhaila &
Jemain, 2009).

Suhaila et al. (2010) found that the western region was affect significantly due to
southwest monsoon season especially in the rainfall pattern of northwest region. During
the southwest monsoon seasons, the northwest region is taken as the wettest region as the
rainfall indices tested and obtained is more than other regions. In contrast, the northwest
are the driest region during the northeast monsoon seasons (Ahmad et al., 2013).
Minimum precipitation is recorded for northwest region during the northeast monsoon
seasons. As the existence of Titiwangsa Range which shelters the inland region from
receiving the heavy rain straightly, the northwest region is less affected by the northeast
monsoon season. On the other hand, the exposed area during the northeast monsoon
seasons will experience heavy rainfall. The lowland areas in eastern region will directly
experience the northeast monsoonal flow.

As mentioned by Azumi et al. (2010), the northeast monsoon seasons brings more
rainfall although rainfall occurs throughout the whole year. During the northeast

monsoon season, the number of wet day and the total amount of rainfall observed from
several stations shows positive trends for the rainfall intensity (Suhaila et al., 2010).
Ahmad et al. (2013) also agreed that the annual rainfall variability for eastern is greater
 n.

than the western region. In the east coast region, the northeast and southwest monsoon
season contribute 55 % and 31 % of the total annual rainfall respectively (Wong et al.,
2009). It shows that the rainfall events in the eastern region are mostly effect by
northwest monsoon. In contrast, there are no significant rainfall patterns between
southern and northern region.

2.3 WEATHER CHANGE AND RAINFALL

The weather change includes the change of weather parameter such as change of
temperature, change of wind speed and change of relative humidity. The change of the
weather parameters may affect the amount of rainfall during the specific time.

According to Johansson and Chen (2003) stated that the wind speed and rainfall is
correlation with topography. Larissa and Christopher (2005) also stated that the
relationship between wind speed and rainfall is depends on the geographical factor with
rapidly increases in moister conditions. The wind speed and rainfall increase when there
it faces to upward sides. In contrast, during the leeward sides, the wind speed
significantly does not affect the rainfall amount. Besides that, when the wind speed is
increasing during the storm, the rainfall loss rate is increasing too (Hsu & Guo, 2005).
When the wind speed of the specific area is high, the rain gauge is affect by the wind
speed and the rainfall amount that recorded by the rain gauge will be affected.

Humidity and relative humidity shows some difference although both show some
similarities. Humidity is the measurement of the content of the water vapor in a particular
sample of air. For relative humidity, it is the ratio of the actual amount of water vapor a
Sample to that amount that needed tO saturate that particular sample. Relative humidity
Usually expressed in percentage. According to Vaisson and Bharat (2011), the relative
h umidity depends on the amount of moisture available in that time and also the ambient
temperature Based on the experiment, when there is rise of temperature, the relative
humidity will be decrease. The number of water vapor that present at saturation is less at
 '4

lower temperature, hence the existing amount of water vapor represent higher percentage
of the saturation of the air.

2.4 EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is issues that will arise during 21st century with comprise lots of
environmental problems. Climate change may include the changes of temperature of air
and ocean, melting of iceberg and rising of sea level. The definition of climate change for
International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007):

Climate change in IPCC usage refers to a change in the state of the climate that
can be identified (e.g. using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the
variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically
decades or longer. It refers to any change in climate over time, whether due to
natural variability or as a result of human activity. This usage differs from that in
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
where climate change refers to a change of climate that is attributed directly or
indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere
and that is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable
time periods. (p. 30)

There are numerous effects for the climate change due to natural course and
anthropogenic activities. The amount and the times for an extreme event to happen are
expected to increase in future (Sunyer et al., 2012). The chance for a place to have heavy
rainfall, storms and coastal flooding will increase when the occurrence of the extreme
event increase The trend increase in, extreme events will cause loss of lives and brings
e conomic impact to the country or the whole world.

In addition, the increase in temperature and rainfall will affect the water resources
(Wang et al., 2013). Since the availability of water resources are mostly depends on
Cl imatic condition, it is important to reduce the adverse effect from climate variable
 8

towards the water resources. The agricUltural activities and forestry are greatly depends
on the water resources. Due to the effect of climate change, the availability for water
resources will be scarcity and affect the ecosystem for terrestrial and also aquatic life. As
the consequence of climate change, the water quality for surface and groundwater will be
affected. The water supply for drinking purpose may be contaminates and increases the
risk of having diseases such as cholera.

Besides, there are negative effects on the agricultural production. Due to heavy
precipitation which increases the soil moisture, the production of crops will decrease
because of excessive soil moisture content. In contrast, the area which suffers from
drought will increase too. Bates et al. (2008) agreed that the change in climate will have
negative yield impacts on the production of crops. At low latitude region, the change in
climate will decrease the yield of the crops. The climate change had brought adverse
effect to the paddy farmers in Malaysia (Alam et al., 2013). The productivity of paddy
was noticed declined due to the climate change. As the consequences, the decrease in the
crop yield will increase the risk of shortage of food. Furthermore, there is increase in risk
of the malnutrition for the poverty countries which always shortage of food and drinks.

2.5 WEATHER STATION EQUIPMENT FOR INTEGRATED SENSOR SUITE

Weather station is equipment which can observe, gather and record the
meteorological data from the surrounding. Weather station may consist of several
Important sensors to measure the precipitation, wind direction, wind speed, humidity and
temperature. There are several optimum conditions to locate the different types of sensors.

Temperature and humidity sensor is used to measure the surrounding temperature

and humidity respectively. Combination of temperature and humidity are often presented
into one instrument sensor in weather station. The sensor should avoid from sitting under
direct sunlight with usually white plastic shields to shade the sensor (Brown & Bruce,
2010). Besides that, the sensor should also keep from the wall that will heat the
temperature and eventually cause thermal radiation which can affect the reading of the
instrument (Setting up a Weather Station). If there is no other option, the combination
sensor should install in shaded location which can prevent the exposure of direct sunlight
and rainfall. The temperature and relative humidity for outside reading range from -40 °C
to 65 °C and 0 % to 100 % respectively for weather station Vantage Vue ISS.

The rain collector is an instrument which similar to rain gauge is used to measure
the amount of precipitation. To have an optimal performance, the rain sensor must mount
on a level surface that free from vibration (Weather Station Set Up 101). The suggested
height for the rain collector is at least two feet but not higher than six feet from surface
level. The rain collector tipping spoon for Vantage Vue ISS captures precipitation and
rotate on a pivot each time a known quantity of 0.2 mm water is collected. Rain collector
debris screen, which is an additional component, is installed at the weather station to
prevent the debris and dirt that can clog the rain collector. Besides, it can used to prevent
other insects such as spider and wasps from housekeeping inside the collector.

The wind vane is used to point out the wind direction of the area. The wind wane
is designed to rotate freely and point into the wind. The wind vane rotates 360 'to display
cm-rent and dominant wind direction on the compass rose of the console screen. The wind
vane must be able to show correct direction when the anemometer is installed on the
weather station. By default, if the arm of anemometer is pointing to true north, the wind
vane is reports the correct orientation (Integrated Sensor Suite Installation Manual). The
wind vane is in use immediately after installation.

The other component consists in the weather station is the anemometer.

Anemometer has three cups attached to spokes which connect to a hub. The rate of cup
rotation is proportional to wind speed. The ideal location of the wind speed sensor or
known as anemometer is the place where the wind flows freely and not effected by
nearby objects or building. Obstructions such as trees, houses and buildings around the
anemometer may affect the wind speed. The mounting of pole is an important step since
the arm of the anemometer must point to the true north for accurate wind direction
 10

reading (Weather Station Set Up 101). The wind speed sensor should be place at a
distance twice the height of the nearby obstructions.

2.6 IDEAL CRITERIA LOCATION TO SET UP A WEATHER STATION

The selection of the site is crucial in order to make sure the reliability and
accuracy of the weather station. The ideal location of the weather station is the site should
be at an open area and away from height obstructions such as trees and building in near
vicinity (Weather Station Set Up 101). The minimum require distance from the
obstruction to the station must have a least the height of the highest building. The
building surrounding -the weather station can significantly affeêt -the -reading ofTthë
sensors and the validity of the data will be affected.

Besides that, the location of the site should be flat area without steep slopes where
there is low vegetation cover (Choosing a Suitable Location for an Automatic Weather
Station). KNMI (2000) also state that the location of the site should be flat and away
from shore and slope such as the area with gullies, valleys and peaks to ensure the
accuracy measurement of the precipitation data.

The weather station should have minimum of 10 m x 10 m in size for ground

based installations (Choosing a Suitable Location for an Automatic Weather Station). For
site which lack of open spaces, it is recommended to have roof top installation or to site
installation instead of ground installation. The standard height of the mast for installation
Of weather station is 2 m but the actual height of the mast can be altered based on the site
condition such as the surrounding condition and obstruction around the weather station. It
should place at least two times the distance away from the highest building obstruction.

The consideration for the security of the site such as prevention of human
vandalism and wildlife must take into account. In order to prevent any damage from
animals, livestock and human being, the installation of the fencing is highly
recommended to protect the site. The site should have surround fencing to inhibit the
 I

unauthorize d access (KNMI, 2000). The maximum height for the fencing of the site is at
most 2 m with non-opaque material. This height is recommended because it has the
minimum affect to the measurement of the weather station.
 CHAPTER 3

STUDY AREA

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Pahang is well-known as the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia with land area of
35960 square kilometers. About two-thirds of land area in Pahang is covered with
tropical rainforest that become the home for endangered animals such as tapir, leopards
and tigers. Besides, soft beach sand along South China Sea and the highlands that attract
tourists is found in Pahang too. The capital city of Pahang is Kuantan, which located
along east coast region whereas the royal town of Pahang is at Pekan. Over the course of
a year, Pahang's tropical monsoon seasons usually range from 22 °C to maximum 33 °C
whereas the relative humidity varies from 62 % (mild humidity) to 96 %(very humid). On
the average, the driest month for is on February whereas December is the wettest month.
The average monthly precipitation is around 438 mm.