precipitation Flashcards
what is precipitation like at the equator and why?
rainfall is high and constant throughout the year
this is because hot air rises and cools quickly and condensing into droplets of convectional rainfall
precipitation definition
whatever form moisture takes falling from the sky
what is precipitation like at the inter tropic convergence zone (ITCZ)and why?
torrential rain
this is because air rises and triggers a burst of torrential rain
sometimes there can be a wave of low pressure in this area which causes a tropical storm + it travels towards the equator
what is precipitation like in Western Europe and why?
precipitation is higher in coastal areas
this is due to the movement of the jet stream over the Atlantic
what is precipitation like in the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and why?
rainfall is low
this is because dry air descends there as part of the Hadley cell, resulting in arid conditions
what is precipitation like in the Polar regions and why?
rainfall is low and often falls as snow
this is because the cold air has a limited ability to hold water vapour