Rainfall, a critical component of Earth's water cycle, profoundly influences global weather patterns, ecosystems, and human societies. This topic explores the...
Rainfall is any liquid precipitation that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, formed when water vapor in clouds condenses into droplets heavy enough to fall due to gravity.
Rainfall is primarily measured using a rain gauge, which collects and quantifies the amount of precipitation over a specific period, typically in millimeters or inches. Weather radar also estimates rainfall intensity and distribution.
Rainfall is crucial for replenishing freshwater sources, supporting agriculture, maintaining ecosystems, and regulating global temperatures. It's essential for plant growth, animal habitats, and human water supply.
The main types include conventional rainfall (from rising warm air), orographic rainfall (from air forced over mountains), and frontal rainfall (from weather fronts where warm and cold air masses meet).