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?
