Types of Rainfall
Rainfall can be classified into three main types based on its origin: convectional, orographic (relief), and cyclonic (frontal).
Convectional Rain: When air is heated, it becomes lighter and rises in convection currents. As it ascends, it cools, leading to condensation and the formation of cumulus clouds. This type of rainfall often occurs with thunder and lightning and is typically short-lived. It is common in equatorial regions and interior parts of continents, especially in the northern hemisphere.
Orographic Rain: When a saturated air mass encounters a mountain, it is forced to rise. As it ascends, it expands and cools, causing moisture to condense and form precipitation. One notable characteristic of orographic rain is that the windward slopes of mountains receive more rainfall, while the leeward slopes, after giving rain on the windward side, remain dry due to descending air. This phenomenon creates a rain-shadow area on the leeward side of the mountain.
Cyclonic Rain: Cyclonic rainfall occurs in association with extratropical cyclones, as discussed in Chapter 9. For more information on cyclonic rainfall, please refer to Chapter 9.
Water in the Atmosphere| Class 11 Geography Notes
Water in the Atmosphere is a major part of our climate system. Water is present in our atmosphere in three forms gaseous, liquid, and solid. In the circulation process of water in the atmosphere, evaporation is really important. It is a process where water changes its form from liquid state to vapor and moves to the Earth’s surface into the atmosphere.
In this article, we are going to discuss the Water in the Atmosphere in detail.
Water in the Atmosphere| Class 11 Geography Notes