Question

Compare and contrast conventional and orographic rainfall.

Answer 1

Convectional Rainfall:
a. This type of rainfall takes place when moist air over the heated ground becomes warmer than the surrounding air and is forced to rise.
b. This forced air then expands, cools and condenses to form water.
c. Convectional rainfall is common in low latitudes and on summer days in interior part of the continents, and usually come in the form of short heavy showers just after the hottest part of the day, sometimes accompanied by thunder and lightening.
Orographic Rainfall:
a. Orographic’ rainfall is also sometimes called orogenic’ rainfall.
b. This occurs when moist wind is forced to rise over a mountain or other elevation in its path.
c. Thus the windward sides of many mountain ranges receive heavy precipitation; whereas the leeward sides along which the air moves down receives less rain fall.
d. Such situation occurs widely along the western coast of India.