Precipitation

Question 1

Is rainfall higher over urban or rural areas

Answer 1

There is some evidence that rainfall can be higher over urban than rural areas

Question 2

Why may there be higher rainfalls in urban areas

Answer 2

Because higher urban temperatures encourage the development of lower pressure over cities in relation to the surrounding area

Question 3

What are other possible reasons for the increase in rain (+ thunder and lightening) over cities

Answer 3

• the urban heat island generates convection
• presence of tall buildings induces air turbulence and promotes increased vertical motion
• industrial sources and power stations produce water as well as pollutants that act as hygroscopic (water attracting) nuclei and assist in raindrop formation

Question 4

What is there also evidence for

Answer 4

That cities that increase precipitation downwind

Question 5

More snow in urban or rural areas?

Answer 5

Snow is less common in cities, and that which falls melts faster