Question

which statement best explains the biggest advantage satellites have over rain gauges for measuring precipitation?

1. there is a greater number of satellites orbiting earth than there are rain gauges on the land.
2. satellites can collect data over large areas while rain gauges only collect data in certain locations.
3. it is easier to collect data from satellites than to spend time checking the amount of rain in rain gauges.
4. satellites can collect more information about populations while rain gauges only measure precipitation.

Explanation:

• Option 1: The number of satellites vs rain gauges isn't the main advantage for precipitation measurement.
• Option 2: Satellites have a wide - area coverage (e.g., can monitor large regions like oceans, remote areas), while rain gauges are limited to their specific, often land - based, locations. This is a key advantage for measuring precipitation across large, diverse areas.
• Option 3: Ease of data collection is not the primary advantage; the main benefit is the spatial coverage.
• Option 4: Satellites are for precipitation measurement, not population info, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

1. Satellites can collect data over large areas while rain gauges only collect data in certain locations.