Rainfall

Question 1

What is the difference between climate and weather?

Answer 1

Climate is averaged out over 30 years, but weather can change over the course of a day.

Question 2

Why does most rain occur in the West?

Answer 2

There are more highland areas in the west and winds from the Atlantic bring moisture.

Question 3

What is the first type of rain and what is it?

Answer 3

Relief rain occurs when there are mountains. Warm air is forced over high areas where it cools and condenses. This causes it to rain. The air descends again and is drier.

Question 4

What is the 2nd type of rain?

Answer 4

The second type of rain is convection. This happens near the sea where the sun heats the land. This then heats water and the air above.The warm air rises and forms clouds.

Question 5

What is the last type of rain?

Answer 5

Frontal rain forms when cold air and warm air meet. Because they cannot mix, the lighter warm air rises to the top. As the warm air rises it cools because it is touching the front. The condensation forms clouds and then it rains heavily along the front.