Precipitation: Types and Measurement — Passage
Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. It includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Precipitation is a key part of the water cycle, helping to distribute water across the planet.
Precipitation forms when water droplets in clouds grow large enough to fall due to gravity. The type of precipitation depends on the temperature:
● Rain occurs when droplets fall through warm air.
● Snow forms when water vapor freezes into ice crystals in cold air.
● Sleet happens when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground.
● Hail forms in thunderstorms when updrafts carry raindrops into freezing upper layers, creating ice balls.
Precipitation is measured using a rain gauge, which collects and measures the amount of rainfall. Snowfall is measured using a ruler or a special snow gauge.
Precipitation is essential for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystems. However, too much or too little precipitation can lead to problems like floods or droughts.
Fun fact: The world record for the most rainfall in one year is 1,042 inches in Cherrapunji, India, in 1861.
What is precipitation?
Water vapor in the airWater that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surfaceWater stored in cloudsWater in oceansWhat determines the type of precipitation?
Wind speedAir temperatureAir pressureHumidityWhat is rain?
Water droplets that fall through warm airIce crystals that fall through cold airFrozen raindropsIce balls formed in thunderstormsWhat is sleet?
Raindrops that freeze into ice pelletsSnowflakes that melt before reaching the groundIce balls formed in thunderstormsWater vapor in the airWhat instrument is used to measure rainfall?
AnemometerRain gaugeHygrometerBarometerWhat is one importance of precipitation?
It increases air pressureIt provides water for agriculture and ecosystemsIt reduces humidityIt stops the water cycleWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
The most rainfall in one year was 1,042 inches in CherrapunjiPrecipitation is not part of the water cycleSnow is measured using a rain gaugeHail forms in warm airWhat is hail?
Raindrops that freeze into ice pelletsIce balls formed in thunderstormsWater vapor in the airSnowflakes that melt before reaching the groundRelated Content
