Precipitation: Types and Measurement — Passage and Quiz

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. It includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Precipitation is a key part of the water cycle, helping to distribute water across the planet.

Precipitation forms when water droplets in clouds grow large enough to fall due to gravity. The type of precipitation depends on the temperature:

●       Rain occurs when droplets fall through warm air.

●       Snow forms when water vapor freezes into ice crystals in cold air.

●       Sleet happens when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground.

●       Hail forms in thunderstorms when updrafts carry raindrops into freezing upper layers, creating ice balls.

Precipitation is measured using a rain gauge, which collects and measures the amount of rainfall. Snowfall is measured using a ruler or a special snow gauge.

Precipitation is essential for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystems. However, too much or too little precipitation can lead to problems like floods or droughts.

Fun fact: The world record for the most rainfall in one year is 1,042 inches in Cherrapunji, India, in 1861.