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Question

What is rainfall? How many types of rainfall are there? Write in detail with illustrations.

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Solution

Instructions:
  • Define rain.
  • Explain the types of rainfall with diagrams.
Solution:
  • Rainfall is one of the most common forms of precipitation ​we observe globally. ​
  • On the basis of its origin, rainfall can be classified into​ convectional, orogenic, and cyclonic rainfall.
Types of rainfall:

Convectional rainfall:
  • The earth’s surface gets heated and heats the moist air over it. This air rises into the atmosphere, cools down and condenses to form clouds, resulting in rain. ​
  • ​Globally, convectional rain takes place in equatorial regions.
Orogenic rainfall:2
  • Orographic rainfall occurs when the rain-bearing clouds from ​the sea reach the land and ​move upwards along ​the mountain slopes.​ The upward ascension ​of clouds causes them to cool down, condense, and rain.​​
  • Rainfall occurs on ​the windward side of the mountain. The rainfall on the other side of the mountain is very low. This region is called the leeward side.​
  • In India, the Western Ghats experience orographic rainfall.​
Cyclonic rainfall:
  • A cyclone ​is a specific air formation when the pressure ​in an area is less than ​the surrounding regions.
  • Air from ​the surrounding region comes toward the centre of the cyclone and ​starts moving upwards.​
  • As it rises, ​the temperature of the air reduces, condensation occurs, and rainfall occurs.

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