Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation

Precipitation

Introduction to the Precipitation

Water is the most important climatic factor in an ecosystem, that remains in motion. when water changes from one form to another called the Water Cycle, and the Precipitation is a significant part of the Water cycle.

Precipitation Definition:

The Precipitation can be defined as the Process of falling water from the Atmosphere towards the Eart in the form of  Rain, Snow, Sleet, and Hail Stone are called Precipitation.

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 Precipitation can be divided into the following types 

1)    Rain Fall:   

The falling water in the form of liquid drops called rain, the water is one of the most significant forms of precipitation.

Process of  Rainfall formation

When Moisture ladened air rises upward reaches the dew point (above 32 degrees Fahrenheit), Condensation is started.

Now the air has no more capacity to hold water vapor, therefore condensation is started and the water droplets are formed around the dust particles present in the air (atmosphere).

 The water Droplets keep floating until they are gathered, more condensed. and Clouds are formed.


Now the water drops remain in clouds until the size of water drops is increased to reach a point that air resistance cannot hold the water drops.

Now under the influence of Gravitational-Force, the water drops fall on the Earth in the form of drops called Rain.

Importance Rainfall

It is the most important form of precipitation because most plants absorb water directly from the soil.

A little amount of Rain-water is absorbed by plant roots, the remaining amount of water is runs into Ponds, Lakes, Rivers.

a handsome amount of water is also absorbed by deep the soil, which increases freshwater table that is a significant form of fresh drinking water, and present in under soil Aquafers. 

The Rainfall determines the nature of vegetation in an area, because of heavy rainfall results in forests or grasslands, a little rainfall results in a desert-like condition where there is less or no vegetation.

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2)    Snow: 

The Process, in which the water Precipitates in the form of ice crystals, having different shapes and sizes, called Snow. It Mostly occurs in Mountainous areas where the temperature remains less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit ( less than 0 Degree centigrade).

Importance of Snowfall: 

Snow is stored in form of Glaciers (Polar and non-Polar) and ice sheets, therefore it is a great source of freshwater of the great Perennial rivers of the World.

which irrigate the Arid and Semiarid Regions of the World especially Rice and Cotton Regions of the World.

Process of  Snow Formation

Snow is formed when the temperature of the Cloud decreases to less than 32 Degrees  Fahrenheit, and the water drops tourns in ice crystals having different shapes and sizes. when these ice crystals fall in the earth they are called snow.

Demerits of Snow

In Winter-season when snow falls; It may be Dangerous to plants because it breaks off the branches of the plants or causes damage to the Plant Body. the Heavy Snow also reduces the plant growth and the germination of Seed.

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3)     Hail-Stone:

When water droplets fall on the ground in the form of small ice balls called hail. It is due to the low temperature in the environment.

The hail may be dangerous for small plants and seedlings because it causes damage to the Plant's body.

But when hail is changed into water, it is useful to the plants and animals as a source of water supply.

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4)     Dew:

Dew is formed on a cold surface at night when the surface temperature is decreased, and the moist-air in contact with the surface gets cooled, condensed and turning into small water drops fall on the ground called dew.

Dew is formed in clear nights when there is no cloud cover, that could slow the Radiation Cooling of the earth's surface.

however, the wind prevents the formation of dew, because it mixes the air in contact with the ground surface.

when the surface temperature falls below the freezing point, the Dew is turned into frost and gives the white appearance.

Importance
Dew is important for the Desert plants because it keeps them moist to survive in the Harsh climate. 

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5)     Clouds:

when there is a layer of air between water droplets and earth without condensation, they are termed as clouds. These clouds transfer water to the soil in the form of rainfall.  

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6)     Fog:

When warm and moist air passes over cold water and land Fog is formed. i.e water droplets formed around condensation nuclei when in contact with the earth, these are called Fog. Condensation nuclei are dust, pollen, any particle or salt particle released by the bursting of bubbles from the surface. by the formation of condensation of, nuclei, the fog is formed rapidly. It is not an important source of water for plants and animals.

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