Hydrology: Precipitation

Flashcards covering key concepts related to precipitation from the hydrology lecture.

Rain

Water drops of size larger than 0.5mm.

Intensity range for moderate rain.

2.5 mm/h to 7.5 mm/h.

0.6 to 0.159 g/cu.cm.

Density of fresh snow

Fine sprinkles of water droplets less than 0.5mm.

Drizzle.

Glaze

Freezing rain formed on the ground due to low temperature (0 degrees Celsius).

Sleet

Frozen raindrops of transparent grains that fall through sub-freezing air.

More than 8mm

Size classification for hail.

Necessary for the formation of clouds and precipitation?

Moist air masses must cool to form condensation.

What happens when a warm air mass meets a cold air mass at a front?

The warm air is lifted over the cold air, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.

Type of cyclone has an intensely strong depression with MSL pressure below 95 mbars.

Tropical cyclone.

Anticyclone

Air sinks, warms, and creates a zone of high pressure.

Convective precipitation

Localized heating causes warm air to rise due to low density.

Orographic precipitation

Moist air is lifted by mountain barriers, leading to cooling and precipitation.

Rain gauge

Used for collecting rain to measure precipitation.

Provided accuracy of non-recording gauges.

0.1 mm.

Recording gauges

Produce a continuous plot of rainfall against time.

Type of recording gauge.

Tipping Bucket Type.