Question

Define precipitation. Write short notes on three forms of precipitation.

Answer 1

The process by which products of condensation, viz water droplets, ice crystals, sleet, etc., fall to the ground is known as precipitation. Rainfall, snowfall, drizzle, sleet and hail are the chief forms of precipitation. Precipitation takes place only when the particles of water join together to form large-sized particles which become too heavy to remain in suspension in the cloud.

1. Rain: It is the most common form of precipitation. Raindrops of smaller size and less intensity are known as a drizzle.
2. Dew: When water vapour condenses on the surface, it forms tiny droplets of water called dew. Dew commonly occurs during winter on account of cooling of air below the dew point.
3. Frost: In very low temperature, when condensation occurs at zero metre or ground level, water vapour freezes into minute crystals of ice on objects near the ground such as blades of grass, leaves and tiny rock particles. Frost is harmful to plants.