Precipitation

Question 1

What is precipitation like in urban areas?

Answer 1

Rains more than in the surrounding countryside

Rain is more intense and there are more thunderstorms

Question 2

How does the UHI effect influence precipitation?

Answer 2

The UHI effect means the air in urban areas is warm, and warm air can hold more water. The warm, moist air rises (convectional uplift). As it rises it cools, the water vapour condenses and it rains

Question 3

What type of rain falls in urban areas?

Answer 3

Convectional rainfall

Question 4

How can huge amounts of dust and pollution in urban areas influence precipitation?

Answer 4

Particles of dust and pollution in the air act as condensation nuclei. This encourages clouds to form, rather than allowing the warm, moist air to disperse

Question 5

What does condensation nuclei trigger?

Answer 5

Water to condense around them

Question 6

What does the higher concentration of condensation nuclei in urban areas result in?

Answer 6

Increased frequency of fog

Question 7

Why doesn’t it snow as often in urban areas?

Answer 7

Its warmer due to the UHI effect