Precipitation

Humidity is the amount of water vapor contained in the

atmosphere .

What is Precipitation?

All forms of water that fall from the atmosphere onto earth’s surface.

The Mechanics of PrecipitationPrecipitation forms when the air temperature

changes.

Stages of Precipitation1)Warm, less dense air absorb moisture 2)When the air cools, it can not retain all of its water

vapor and excess water vapor condense to liquid.3)Tiny water droplets gather together and form

clouds.4)Precipitation occurs when water collects in excess

in the clouds.

Types of Precipitation

Convectional

Orographic

Frontal

Convection Precipitation

Occurs when hot, humid air rise to the earth’s surface and cools, thereby losing the ability to hold much water.

Commonly in the Equator.

Produces nourishing rainfalls that feed tropical forests.

Orographic Precipitation

Or0graphic precipitation occurs when warm moist air is

forced upward when passing over high land forms.

Common in seacoasts where ocean winds blow toward coastal mountains.

Experience both rain and snowfalls.Also forms rain shadows.

Frontal Precipitation

Most common kind of precipitation

Occurs when two front or air masses with different temperature meets.

Warmer air is force upward by heavy cooler air.

Precipitation and Climate

Temperature and precipitation are the major factors

affecting weather and climate.

Other Effects on the Climate

Nearby Bodies of Water

Elevation

Nearby Landforms

Effects of Nearby Bodies of Water

Land and water absorb and store heat at different rates.

large bodies of water such as oceans or large lakes affect the surrounding climates.

Continental climates: great areas of continents in the north hemisphere away from the affects of oceans have particular climates

extreme weather Humidity and precipitation varies.

Why does snow exist on the Equator in Tanzania, Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro all year round?

Elevation

Air temperature decreases at a rate of about 3.5 degrees F for every 1,000 feet in elevation.

Effects of Nearby Landforms

Micro climate is a small variation of climate within a region causes the absorption of heat by concrete and pavement

Changing Climate

Global Warming

Increase amounts of carbon dioxide and other substances in the earth’s atmosphere.

Results of Global WarmingMelts polar ice caps.

Rise ocean levels causing flooding.Increased precipitation in some areas and decline in

others.