Q1. Describe the forms of precipitation in detail.
- Precipitation: condensed atmospheric water falling under gravity; vital for water cycle.
- Rain: liquid droplets >0.5mm, forms when air column is entirely above 0°C.
- Drizzle: fine droplets <0.5mm, slow fall, from low stratus clouds.
- Snow: ice crystals/snowflakes, forms when air column is entirely below 0°C.
Answer: Precipitation is a fundamental component of the hydrological cycle, defined as any form of atmospheric water vapour that condenses and falls under gravity from clouds to the Earth's surface. The specific form of precipitation depends critically on the temperature profile of the atmosphere from the cloud base down to the ground. Rain is the most common form of liquid precipitation, characterized by water droplets typically larger than 0.5 mm in diameter. It forms when water vapor condenses into ...