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| In ], '''precipitation''' is any kind of ] that falls from the sky as part of the ]. This includes ], ], ], ] and ]. Precipitation is a major part of the ], and is responsible for depositing most of the ] on the planet. Precipitation is generated in ]s, which reach a point of saturation; at this point larger and larger droplets (or pieces of ]) form, which then fall to the earth under ]. It is possible to 'seed' clouds to induce precipitation by releasing a fine dust or appropriate chemical (commonly ]) into a cloud, encouraging droplets to form, and increasing the probability of precipitation. | In ], '''precipitation''' is any kind of ] that falls from the sky as part of the ]. This includes ], ], ], ] and ]. Precipitation is a major part of the ], and is responsible for depositing most of the ] on the planet. Precipitation is generated in ]s, which reach a point of saturation; at this point larger and larger droplets (or pieces of ]) form, which then fall to the earth under ]. It is possible to 'seed' clouds to induce precipitation by releasing a fine dust or appropriate chemical (commonly ]) into a cloud, encouraging droplets to form, and increasing the probability of precipitation. | ||
| '''orographic precipitation''' is precipitation generated by upward movement of air upon encountering a physiographic upland. This upwards movement cools the air, resulting in cloud formation and rainfall. In parts of the world subjected to consistent winds (for example the ]), a wetter ] prevails on the windward side of a mountain than on the leeward (downwind) side as moisture is removed by orographic precipitation, leaving drier air on the descending (generally warming), leeward side. | |||
| See also ]. | See also ]. | ||
Revision as of 04:35, 5 August 2003
] In meteorology, precipitation is any kind of water that falls from the sky as part of the weather. This includes snow, rain, sleet, freezing rain and hail. Precipitation is a major part of the hydrologic cycle, and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the planet. Precipitation is generated in clouds, which reach a point of saturation; at this point larger and larger droplets (or pieces of ice) form, which then fall to the earth under gravity. It is possible to 'seed' clouds to induce precipitation by releasing a fine dust or appropriate chemical (commonly silver nitrate) into a cloud, encouraging droplets to form, and increasing the probability of precipitation.
orographic precipitation is precipitation generated by upward movement of air upon encountering a physiographic upland. This upwards movement cools the air, resulting in cloud formation and rainfall. In parts of the world subjected to consistent winds (for example the Tradewinds), a wetter climate prevails on the windward side of a mountain than on the leeward (downwind) side as moisture is removed by orographic precipitation, leaving drier air on the descending (generally warming), leeward side.
See also umbrella.