Define: precipitation and explain the factors and forms of it.
Answers
Definition of precipitation:
It is defined as the fall of moisture from the atmosphere to the earth surface in any physical form. Usually precipitation is in two forms:
Liquid - rainfall
Solid Precipitation
Snow
Hail
Sleet
Freezing rain
It is major factor controlling hydrology of a region.
It is major input of water to the earth surface.
Factors affecting precipitation
Heavy precipitation occurs near the equator and decreases with the increase in the latitude i.e. Towards polar regions. Main source of moisture for ppt is evaporation from oceans. Therefore, ppt tends to be heavier near coastlines. Since lifting of air masses is the cause of almost all ppt, amount and frequency of rain is genrally greater on windward side of the mountain. As downslope motion of air results in decease in humidity, thus the opposite sides of barriers usually experience relatively light ppt. High amount of ppt is reported at higher elevations.