What's New

Explain briefly the major types of rainfall across the globe.

Introduction:

Rainfall is a major climatic factor. The 3 major types of rainfall are:

Body:

1) Convectional rain:  

Key features:

• Heavy rain
• Short duration
• Occurs during Summer
• Minimum amount of cloud

Formation: Air gets heated up, rises, It expands followed by condensation forming the clouds.

2) Orographic rain:

Key features:

• Rain-shadow effect
• Also known as relief rain

Formation: The mountains obstruct the rain bearing clouds thus causing the rainfall. Due to the striking of air, it is forced to rise up, condensation happens thus reaching saturation

3) Cyclonic rain:

Key features:

• Largescale rainfall
• Often accompanied by economic losses due to their adverse effects

Formation: Two air masses having different temperatures collide resulting In the formation of precipitation.

Conclusion:

Different places on the earth receive different amount of the rainfall. Coastal areas are known to receive more rainfall due to proximity to sea. Places having mountains parallel to the coastal regions create a rain shadow area. Rainfall decides the agriculture of the nations in most of the cases. India is a best example for such a scenario.