Earth Science
Atmospheric Processes
Precipitation
Study Tip
To remember the various names of precipitation, try grouping them into different categories (e.g. stationary vs. motion, liquid vs. solid, etc.)
Stationary Precipitation
Some kinds of precipitation form in place.
Dew
forms when the air in the atmosphere cools below its dew point on a cold surface.
Frost
is dew formed under below-freezing temperatures.
Study Tip
To remember the various names of precipitation, try grouping them into different categories (e.g. stationary vs. motion, liquid vs. solid, etc.)
Precipitation with Motion
Most forms of precipitation fall from clouds.
Falling water droplets are called
rain,
and if the temperature is below freezing these droplets are called
snow.
Glaze
forms as rain freezes on the ground.
Sleet
is rain that becomes ice before hitting the ground.
When ice particles become too heavy, they fall as
hail.
Concept Check
Name and describe all of the different forms of precipitation.
When can you expect to see each type of precipitation?
a.Dew b.Frost c.Sleet d.Glaze e.Hail
Concept Check
Name and describe all of the different forms of precipitation.
When can you expect to see each type of precipitation?