Unit 2 Definitions

Question 1

Dew Point

Answer 1

The temperature at which droplets form when water vapour condenses into droplets.

Question 2

Lapse Rate

Answer 2

The rate at which temperature changes with height in the atmosphere.

Question 3

Orographic Rainfall

Answer 3

Formed when air is forced to cool, as it rises over relief features in hills or mountains.

Question 4

Frontal Rainfall

Answer 4

Occurs when a warm front meets a cold front, heavier cold air sinks.

Question 5

Convectional Rainfall

Answer 5

Occurs when heated air from earth’s surface rises upwards along with water vapour, is condensed when it reaches a higher altitude.

Question 6

Bergeron - Findeisen Theory

Answer 6

States that water droplets in a cloud collide against each other caused by convectional currents in a cloud.

Question 7

Collision Mechanism

Answer 7

Small condensation particles grow too large for rising air to support them, fall to the earth.