What are the types of precipitation? Formation and types of precipitation. Precipitation can be torrential, heavy or drizzling
home
Water that falls on the surface of the Earth in the form of rain, snow, hail, or is deposited on objects in the form of condensation as frost or dew is called precipitation. Precipitation can be blanket, associated with warm fronts, or showers, associated with cold fronts. The appearance of rain is caused by the merging of small droplets of water in a cloud into larger ones, which, overcoming the force of gravity, fall to the Earth. In the event that the cloud contains fine particles solids (dust particles), the condensation process proceeds faster, since they act as condensation nuclei. At subzero temperatures, condensation of water vapor in the cloud leads to snowfall. If snowflakes from the upper layers of the cloud fall into the lower layers with a higher temperature, where they contain a large number of
cold drops of water, the snowflakes combine with water, losing their shape and turning into snowballs with a diameter of up to 3 mm.
Precipitation formation Hail is formed in clouds of vertical development, characteristic features
which is the presence of positive temperatures in the lower layer and negative temperatures in the upper layer. In this case, spherical snowballs with rising air currents rise to the upper parts of the cloud with lower temperatures and freeze to form spherical ice floes - hailstones. Then, under the influence of gravity, the hailstones fall to the Earth. They usually vary in size and can range in diameter from a pea to a chicken egg.
Types of precipitation Such types of precipitation as dew, frost, frost, ice, fog are formed in the surface layers of the atmosphere due to the condensation of water vapor on objects. Dew appears at higher temperatures, frost and frost - at negative temperatures. When there is an excessive concentration of water vapor in the surface atmospheric layer, fog appears. If the fog mixes with dust and dirt in industrial cities 
Precipitation is measured by the thickness of the water layer in millimeters. On average, our planet receives approximately 1000 mm of precipitation per year. To measure the amount of precipitation, a device such as a rain gauge is used. For many years, observations have been made of the amount of precipitation in different regions of the planet, thanks to which general patterns of its distribution over the earth's surface have been established.
Maximum precipitation is observed in equatorial belt(up to 2000 mm per year), minimum - in the tropics and polar regions (200-250 mm per year). IN temperate zone average annual quantity precipitation is 500-600 mm per year.
In every climatic zone There is also unevenness in precipitation. This is explained by the terrain features of a certain area and the prevailing wind direction. For example, on the western outskirts of the Scandinavian mountain range 1000 mm falls per year, and in the eastern regions - more than half as much. Areas of land have been identified where there is almost no precipitation. These are the Atacama Desert, the central regions of the Sahara. In these regions, the average annual precipitation is less than 50 mm. Huge amounts of precipitation are observed in the southern regions of the Himalayas and Central Africa (up to 10,000 mm per year).
Thus, the defining features of the climate of a given area are the average monthly, seasonal, and average annual precipitation, its distribution over the Earth’s surface, and intensity. These climate features have a significant impact on many sectors of the human economy, including agriculture.
Related materials:
Types of climatic precipitation must be considered inextricably linked with the concept of “weather”. It is these elements that are fundamental when considering the conditions of a particular region.
The term “weather” refers to the state of the atmosphere in a particular place. The formation of a climate type and its constancy depend on many factors that have their own patterns of manifestation. The same conditions cannot be observed in individual areas. The types of climatic precipitation are different on all continents of the globe.
Climate can be influenced by factors such as solar radiation, Atmosphere pressure, air humidity and temperature, precipitation, wind direction and strength, cloudiness, relief.
Climate
The long-term weather pattern is climate. It is significantly influenced by the amount of solar heat entering the Earth's surface. This indicator depends on the height of the Sun at noon - geographical latitude. The largest amount of solar heat arrives at the equator; towards the poles this value decreases.
Also, the most important factor influencing the weather is the relative position of land and sea, which makes it possible to distinguish between marine and continental climate types.
Marine (oceanic) climate is characteristic of oceans, islands and coastal parts of continents. This type is characterized by small annual daily fluctuations in air temperatures and a significant amount atmospheric precipitation.
Continental climate characterizes continental zones. The continental continentality indicator depends on the average annual fluctuations in air temperature.
Another factor influencing weather, can be called sea currents. This dependence is manifested in changes in the temperature of air masses. They also have their own character climatic precipitation near the ocean.
Air temperature is the next factor, the influence of which on weather and climate is difficult to overestimate. Changes in thermal conditions create dynamics in air pressure, forming zones of high and low atmospheric pressure. The specified zones are transferred air masses. The different nature of the occurring air masses forms which is characterized by cloudiness, precipitation, increased wind speed and temperature changes.
The complex interaction of the above factors shapes the certain territories types of weather conditions.
The following climate types are distinguished: equatorial, tropical monsoon, tropical dry, Mediterranean, subtropical dry, temperate maritime, temperate continental, temperate monsoon, subarctic, arctic or Antarctic.
Types of climate. Brief description of all climate types
The equatorial type is characterized average annual temperature within +26˚С, big amount atmospheric precipitation throughout the year, the predominance of warm and humid air masses and is distributed in the equatorial regions of Africa, South America and Oceania.
The types of precipitation directly depend on the region. Below we consider the types of climate that are characteristic of tropical environments.
Types of tropical climates
The weather around the world is quite varied. The tropical monsoon has the following characteristics: temperature in January - +20˚С, in July - +30˚С, 2000 mm of precipitation, monsoons predominate. Distributed in the South and South-East Asia, Western and Central Africa, Northern Australia.
A tropical dry climate is characterized by air temperatures in January of +12˚С, in July - +35˚С, slight precipitation within 200 mm, trade winds predominate. Distributed in the territory North Africa, Central Australia.
The Mediterranean type of climate can be characterized by the following indicators: temperature in January +7˚С, in July +22˚С; 200 mm of precipitation, in summer period In winter, anticyclones predominate; in winter, cyclones predominate. The Mediterranean climate is widespread in the Mediterranean region, South Africa, South Western Australia, Western California.
Temperatures in a subtropical dry climate range from 0˚С in January to +40˚С in July, with this type of climate precipitation does not exceed 120 mm, and dry continental air masses predominate in the atmosphere. The distribution area for this type of weather conditions is the interior of continents.
Moderate is characterized by the following temperature indicators: from +2˚С to +17˚С, precipitation at the level of 1000 mm, it is characterized by It is widespread in the territory western parts Eurasia and North America.
Shows a significant difference in seasonal temperatures: -15˚С - +20˚С, precipitation within 400 mm, westerly winds and prevalence on internal parts continents.
The moderate monsoon shows sharp temperature fluctuations from -20˚C in January to +23˚C in July, precipitation of 560 mm, the presence of monsoons and predominance in eastern Eurasia.
In the subarctic type of climate, temperatures range from -25˚С to +8˚С, precipitation is 200 mm, the atmosphere is dominated by monsoons, the territory is Northern Eurasia and America.
Arctic (Antarctic) type, in which there are low temperatures- -40˚С - 0˚С, minor precipitation - 100 mm, anticyclones, - common in mainland Australia and the Arctic Ocean.
The types we have considered, which predominate over vast territories, are defined as macroclimates. In addition to these, meso- and microclimates are also studied, which concern relatively small areas with stable weather conditions.
The most important criterion for determining the type of climate is the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of atmospheric precipitation falling in a given territory.
Atmospheric precipitation and its types. Weather and climate concept
The Earth's climate is heterogeneous, and the quantitative and qualitative indicators of precipitation falling over the territory play an important role in this. The factors on which they depend are determined by the scheme. The types of precipitation depend on the following factors: physical fitness, place of formation, nature of loss, place of origin.
Let's take a closer look at each of the factors.
Physical characteristics of precipitation
Types of precipitation are classified depending on their physical state:
- Liquid, which includes drizzle and rain.
- Solid - these include snow, cereals, hail.
- Rain - water drops. It is the most common type of precipitation that falls from cumulonimbus and nimbostratus clouds.
- Drizzle is the name given to microscopic drops of moisture with a diameter of hundredths of a millimeter that fall from stratus clouds or thick fog at above-zero temperatures.
- The predominant form of solid precipitation is snow, the types of which are snow and ice pellets that fall at low temperatures.
- Hail is another form of solid precipitation in the form of ice particles 5-20 mm in size. This type of precipitation, despite its structure, falls in the warm season.
The influence of seasonality on the physical state of precipitation
Depending on the season, precipitation falls in certain forms. The warm period is characterized by the following types: rain, drizzle, dew, hail. In the cold season, snow, groats, hoarfrost, frost, and ice are possible.
Classification of precipitation depending on the place of formation
Rain, drizzle, hail, graupel, and snow form in the upper ones.
On the ground or close to the ground - dew, frost, drizzle, ice.
The nature of precipitation
Based on the nature of precipitation, precipitation can be divided into drizzle, shower and heavy precipitation. Their character depends on many factors.
Drizzle precipitation is long-lasting and has low intensity, shower precipitation is characterized by high intensity but short duration, and continuous precipitation has a uniform intensity without sharp fluctuations.
The nature and amount of precipitation certainly influence the weather conditions of a certain area, which, in turn, affects general climate. In the tropics, for example, rain can only be observed for a few months of the year. The rest of the time the sun shines.
Climatic precipitation
Climate and types of climatic precipitation are directly dependent on each other. Factors influencing the distribution of snow and rain include temperature, air movement, topography and sea currents.
Zone equatorial climate characterized the largest number precipitation on Earth. This fact is due high temperatures air and high humidity.
They are divided into dry desert and humid tropical climates. The global climate has average precipitation that ranges from 500-5000 mm.
The monsoon type is characterized by a large amount of precipitation that comes from the ocean. Weather conditions here have their own periodicity.
The Arctic region is poor in precipitation, which is explained by the presence of low atmospheric temperatures.
Based on the place of origin, all types of climatic precipitation can be divided into:
- convective, which predominate in areas with a hot climate, but are also possible in areas with a temperate climate;
- frontal, formed when two different-temperature air masses meet, are common in temperate and cold climates.
Summarize
The Earth's climate, characteristics and types of climatic precipitation are the basic concepts that we have considered. Based on the above, we can say that the Earth is a large system, each of the elements of which is directly or indirectly dependent on the others. This understanding of the issue regulates the application integrated approaches, when climate and types of precipitation are considered as areas of scientific interest. Only with a combined study of these factors can the correct answers to questions of interest to scientists be found.
Precipitation, atmosphere, weather and climate - all these concepts are closely interrelated. When studying, it is impossible to miss even one of the sections.
Surely, each of us has ever watched the rain through a window. But have we ever thought about what kind of processes occur in rain clouds? What types of precipitation can take place? This is what got me interested. I opened my favorite home encyclopedia and settled on the section with the title "Types of precipitation". I am going to tell you what was written there.
What types of precipitation are there?
Any precipitation occurs due to the enlargement of elements found in the clouds (for example, water droplets or ice crystals). Having increased to a size at which they can no longer be suspended, the drops fall down. This process is called "coalescence"(which means "merger"). And further growth of droplets occurs due to their merging during the fall.
Atmospheric precipitation is often quite different types. But in science there are only three main groups:
- blanket precipitation. This is the precipitation that usually falls during very long period with medium intensity. Such rain covers a very large area and falls from special nimbostratus clouds that cover the sky, preventing light from entering;
- rainfall. They are the most intense, but short-lasting. Originate from cumulonimbus clouds;
- drizzle. They, in turn, consist of very small droplets - drizzle. This kind of rain can last a long time for a long time. Drizzling precipitation falls from stratus (including stratocumulus) clouds.
In addition, precipitation is divided according to its consistency. This is what we will talk about now.
Other types of precipitation
Additionally, the following types of precipitation are distinguished:
- liquid precipitation. Basic. It is these that were discussed above (cover, torrential and drizzle types of rain);
- solid precipitation. But they fall out, as is known, when negative temperature. Such precipitation takes on different shapes (snow of various forms, hail, and so on...);
- mixed precipitation . Here the name speaks for itself. An excellent example would be cold freezing rain.
These are the different types of precipitation. Now it’s worth making a few interesting comments about their loss.
The shape and size of snowflakes are determined by the temperature in the atmosphere and the strength of the wind. The cleanest and driest snow on the surface can reflect about 90% light from the sun's rays.
More intense and larger (in the form of drops) rains occur on small areas. There is a relationship between the size of territories and the amount of precipitation.
Snow cover is capable of independently emitting thermal energy , which, nevertheless, quickly goes into the atmosphere.
Clouds with clouds have huge weight. Every year more than 100 thousand km³ of water.
Atmospheric precipitation is water in liquid and solid state that falls from clouds and precipitates from the air.
Types of precipitation
There are different classifications for precipitation. A distinction is made between blanket precipitation, which is associated with warm fronts, and rainfall, which is associated with cold fronts.
Precipitation is measured in millimeters - the thickness of the layer of fallen water. On average, high latitudes and deserts receive about 250 mm of precipitation per year, and the globe as a whole receives about 1,000 mm of precipitation per year.
Measuring precipitation is essential for any geographic research. After all, precipitation is one of the most important links in moisture circulation on the globe.
The defining characteristics for a particular climate are considered to be the average monthly, annual, seasonal and long-term amount of precipitation, its daily and annual cycle, its frequency and intensity.
These indicators are extremely important for most sectors of the national (agricultural) economy.
Rain is liquid precipitation - in the form of drops from 0.4 to 5-6 mm. Raindrops can leave a mark in the form of a wet spot on a dry object, or on the surface of water - in the form of a diverging circle.
There are different types of rain: freezing rain, freezing rain and sleet. Both freezing rain and ice rain fall at subzero air temperatures.
Supercooled rain is characterized by liquid precipitation, the diameter of which reaches 5 mm; After this type of rain, ice may form.
And freezing rain is represented by precipitation in a solid state - these are ice balls with frozen water inside. Snow is precipitation that falls in the form of flakes and snow crystals.
Horizontal visibility depends on the intensity of snowfall. A distinction is made between sleet and sleet.
The concept of weather and its features
The state of the atmosphere in a particular place at a particular time is called weather. Weather is the most variable phenomenon in environment. It will start to rain, then the wind will start, and after a few hours the sun will shine and the wind will subside.
But even the variability of weather has its own patterns, despite the fact that weather formation is influenced by great amount factors.
The main elements characterizing the weather include the following meteorological indicators: solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, air humidity and temperature, precipitation and wind direction, wind strength and cloudiness.
If we talk about weather variability, then most often it changes in temperate latitudes - in regions with a continental climate. And most stable weather occurs in polar and equatorial latitudes.
Changes in weather are associated with changes in seasons, that is, changes are periodic, and weather conditions repeat over time.
Every day we observe the daily change in weather - night follows day, and for this reason weather conditions change.
Climate concept
The long-term weather pattern is called climate. Climate is determined in a specific area - thus, the weather pattern must be stable for a certain geographical location.
Precipitation- water in a liquid or solid state that falls from clouds or settles from the air onto the earth's surface.
Rain
Under certain conditions, cloud droplets begin to merge into larger and heavier ones. They can no longer stay in the atmosphere and fall to the ground in the form rain.
hail
It happens that in summer the air quickly rises, picks up rain clouds and carries them to a height where the temperature is below 0°. Raindrops freeze and fall as hail(Fig. 1).
Rice. 1. Origin of the hail
Snow
In winter, in temperate and high latitudes, precipitation falls in the form of snow. Clouds at this time do not consist of water droplets, but of tiny crystals - needles, which, joining together, form snowflakes.
Dew and frost
Precipitation falling onto the earth's surface not only from clouds, but also directly from the air is dew And frost.
The amount of precipitation is measured by a precipitation gauge or rain gauge (Fig. 2).
Rice. 2. Structure of the rain gauge: 1 - outer casing; 2 - funnel; 3 - container for collecting oxen; 4-dimensional tank
Classification and types of precipitation
Precipitation is classified according to the nature of its occurrence, its origin, physical condition, fall seasons, etc. (Fig. 3).
According to the nature of precipitation, precipitation can be torrential, heavy and drizzling. Rainfall - intense, short-lived, cover a small area. Cover precipitation - medium intensity, uniform, long-term (can last for days, involving large areas). Drizzle - fine precipitation falling over a small area.
Precipitation is classified according to its origin:
- convective - characteristic of the hot zone, where heating and evaporation are intense, but often occur in the temperate zone;
- frontal - are formed when two air masses meet different temperatures and fall out of warmer air. Characteristic for temperate and cold zones;
- orographic - fall on the windward slopes of the mountains. They are very abundant if the air comes from the side warm sea and has high absolute and relative humidity.
Rice. 3. Types of precipitation
Comparing to climate map the annual amount of precipitation in the Amazonian lowland and the Sahara Desert, one can be convinced of its uneven distribution (Fig. 4). What explains this?
Precipitation comes from moist air masses that form over the ocean. This is clearly seen in areas with a monsoon climate. The summer monsoon brings a lot of moisture from the ocean. And there are continuous rains over the land, as on the Pacific coast of Eurasia.
Constant winds also play a big role in the distribution of precipitation. Thus, trade winds blowing from the continent bring dry air to northern Africa, where the largest desert in the world is located - the Sahara. Western winds bring rain from the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.
Rice. 4. Average annual distribution of precipitation on Earth's land
As you already know, sea currents affect precipitation in the coastal parts of continents: warm currents contribute to their appearance (Mozambique Current off the eastern coast of Africa, Gulf Stream off the coast of Europe), cold currents, on the contrary, prevent precipitation (Peruvian Current off the western coast of South America) .
Relief also affects the distribution of precipitation, for example, the Himalayan mountains do not allow moist winds blowing from the north to pass through. Indian Ocean. Therefore, on their southern slopes sometimes up to 20,000 mm of precipitation falls per year. Moist air masses, rising along the mountain slopes (ascending air currents), cool, become saturated, and precipitation falls from them. The territory north of the Himalayan mountains resembles a desert: only 200 mm of precipitation falls there per year.
There is a relationship between belts and precipitation. At the equator - in the low pressure zone - there is constantly heated air; rising upward, it cools and becomes saturated. Therefore, in the equator region there are many clouds and heavy rainfall. There is also a lot of rainfall in other areas globe where low pressure prevails. Wherein great importance has an air temperature: the lower it is, the less precipitation falls.
In high pressure belts, downward air currents predominate. As the air descends, it heats up and loses the properties of its saturation state. Therefore, at latitudes 25-30° precipitation occurs rarely and in small quantities. Areas of high pressure near the poles also receive little precipitation.
Absolute maximum precipitation registered on o. Hawaii ( Pacific Ocean) - 11,684 mm/year and in Cherrapunji (India) - 11,600 mm/year. The absolute minimum - in the Atacama Desert and the Libyan Desert - less than 50 mm/year; Sometimes there is no precipitation at all for years.
The moisture content of the area is characterized by humidification coefficient— the ratio of annual precipitation and evaporation for the same period. The humidification coefficient is denoted by the letter K, the annual precipitation by the letter O, and evaporation by the letter I; then K = O: I.
The lower the humidification coefficient, the drier the climate. If the annual precipitation is approximately equal to evaporation, then the humidification coefficient is close to unity. In this case, hydration is considered sufficient. If the moisture level more than one, then hydration excessive, less than one - insufficient. When the humidification coefficient is less than 0.3, humidification is considered meager. Zones with sufficient moisture include forest-steppes and steppes, and zones with insufficient moisture include deserts.