4. Forms of Precipitation
Precipitation is crucial to the hydrological cycle, encompassing all forms of water falling from the atmosphere. This chapter details different precipitation types, their formation mechanisms, and their significance in hydrology and engineering. Understanding precipitation is key for water resource management, flood forecasting, and designing relevant infrastructure.
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What we have learnt
- Precipitation is defined as water falling from the atmosphere in liquid or solid form.
- Three essential meteorological conditions for precipitation include saturation of air mass, presence of condensation nuclei, and coalescence of droplets.
- Different forms of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail, each with unique characteristics and hydrological impacts.
Key Concepts
- -- Precipitation
- Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the ground.
- -- Atmospheric Moisture Deposition
- Forms like dew and frost that contribute to surface wetness but do not fall from the atmosphere.
- -- Cloud Seeding
- A technique to induce artificial rainfall by dispersing substances into clouds.
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