Objectives:
- Define Precipitation
- Describe the characteristics of each of the five main types of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, hail).
- Predict the type of precipitation based on the temperature profile of the atmosphere.
*Remember, when clouds develop you know that something is making the air rise. Several things can make the air rise.
Convection - ground heated by the sun, ground heats air, warm air rises. Topographic lifting - air lifting over land forms or mountains. Convergence - air pushing together. Frontal lifting - lifting of air at frontal boundaries. Watch these videos to get a basic understanding of precipitation: |
How precipitation forms:
- When air rises through the troposphere it expands as the air pressure drops. The expanding air cools (adiabatic cooling).
- Since colder air cannot contain as much moisture as warmer air, the water vapor in the air condenses to form clouds.
- If cooling continues, then condensation continues so that cloud droplets/crystals grow.
- When cloud droplets/crystals become too heavy to remain suspended in the air, they fall from the cloud. If the droplets/crystals/ice falls to the earth, it is called precipitation.
- Depending on the type of storm, and the temperatures within and below the cloud, precipitation can fall to earth as:
- Rain - Liquid drops, usually from melted snow
- Snow - Solid crystals/flakes
- Sleet - Melted snow raindrops re-freeze while falling, solid drops bounce when hit surface/ground
- Freezing rain - Rain freezing only when contacting frozen surface/ground. Slippery & very dangerous.
- Hail - Only in severe thunderstorms, ice balls form from strong updraft in upper cloud.
- Here's a quick visual of a few Forms of Precipitation.
- Watch this Weather Channel video about winter precipitation.
Learn more about 5 types of precipitation:
1. Use this precipitation link to complete this precipitation study guide about rain, sleet, snow, freezing rain, and hail.
2. When you feel confident in your understanding of precipitation then test your knowledge (Word Download).
**Extension:
Build your own precipitation gauge if you have extra time.
1. Use this precipitation link to complete this precipitation study guide about rain, sleet, snow, freezing rain, and hail.
2. When you feel confident in your understanding of precipitation then test your knowledge (Word Download).
**Extension:
Build your own precipitation gauge if you have extra time.