Urban precipitation and wind

Question 1

How much more as a percentage does urban areas have of precipitation compared to rural areas?

Answer 1

5-15% more in both quantity and number of days

Question 2

Why does air pollution lead to greater precipitation?

Answer 2

because the tiny particles of air pollution are essential for cloud droplets to form

Question 3

Why does urban areas have more precipitation?

Answer 3

the air is warmer making water vapour to rise quicker so it can then coll, condense then rain

Question 4

Describe fog.

Answer 4

• it is effectively cloud at ground level
  -form when there is a high concentration of condensation

Question 5

What part of the year does thunderstorms generally form and why?

Answer 5

summer months as urban convection is especially powerful in the summer

Question 6

Why is there typically more thunderstorms in urban areas?

Answer 6

warmer so the rising heat ( including water vapor and condensation from industries, vehicles etc.) can trigger heavier and more frequent late afternoon and early evening thunderstorms.
- the more intense the heating, the more violent the storm

Question 7

How does urban areas affect the wind?

Answer 7

The buildings produce more friction and slow down the wind and alter its direction

Question 8

Define urban canyons

Answer 8

relatively narrow streets bordered by high- rise buildings funneling and so concentrating winds

Question 9

Define venturi effect

Answer 9

a particularly violent form of gusting caused in particularly narrow gaps by air rushing to replace low pressure vortices beyond structures