PRECIPITATION Flashcards
What is precipitation?
Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground.
What are the different types of precipitation?
The different types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
What is the process by which precipitation forms?
Precipitation forms through the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere, which then falls to the ground due to gravity.
What is the hydrological cycle?
The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
What is evaporation in the hydrological cycle?
Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas and enters the atmosphere.
What is transpiration in the hydrological cycle?
Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.
What is infiltration in the hydrological cycle?
Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.
What is runoff in the hydrological cycle?
Runoff is the movement of water over the Earth’s surface and into bodies of water.
What factors influence the amount of precipitation in a given area?
Factors that influence precipitation include air temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and topography.
What is the difference between orographic and convective precipitation?
Orographic precipitation occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range, while convective precipitation results from localized heating of the ground.
How is precipitation measured?
Precipitation is measured using rain gauges, snow gauges, or radar systems.
What is the average precipitation rate in a tropical rainforest?
The average precipitation rate in a tropical rainforest can exceed 100 inches per year.
What is the term used to describe the pattern of precipitation over a long period of time?
The term used to describe the pattern of precipitation over a long period of time is climate.
What is the rain-shadow effect?
The rain-shadow effect occurs when moist air rises over a mountain range, releases precipitation on one side, and creates a dry area on the other side.
What is the role of precipitation in the water cycle?
Precipitation replenishes water sources on Earth, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, completing the water cycle.
How does climate change impact precipitation patterns?
Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events in some regions and droughts in others.
What is the term for the process by which precipitation becomes absorbed by soil and plants?
The term for the process by which precipitation becomes absorbed by soil and plants is infiltration.
What is the primary source of energy that drives the hydrological cycle?
The primary source of energy that drives the hydrological cycle is the sun.
What is the difference between rainfall and snowfall in terms of precipitation?
Rainfall refers to liquid water falling from the sky, while snowfall refers to frozen water crystals falling as snow.
What is the term for the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere?
The term for the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere is transpiration.
How does topography affect precipitation patterns?
Topography can influence precipitation patterns by causing air to rise and cool, leading to condensation and precipitation.
What is the term for the process by which water flows over the land surface into bodies of water?
The term for the process by which water flows over the land surface into bodies of water is runoff.
What is the term for the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas and enters the atmosphere?
The term for the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas and enters the atmosphere is evaporation.
What is the term for the movement of water from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface?
The term for the movement of water from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface is precipitation.
