On a Sampling Error in Hailpad Measurements

Abstract

This note deals with a special type of error in hailpad measurements. We call it the ?noise-type error? of the sampling, which originates from the finite area of the pad. It is Shown by a simple model, based on actual measurements, that the number of hailstones falling onto the surface of a hailpad follows a Bernouli distribution. By applying this distribution, a procedure is given for the estimation of the noise-type error. This error can cause discrepancies greater than 30% in the number of hailstones on the hailpad.