Precipitation types

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/precipitation-types

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the freezing precipitation condition?Liquid precipitation that freezes on contact with surfaces below 0°C
2. What is the orographic precipitation mechanism?Forced ascent of moist air over elevated terrain
3. What is the difference between rain and drizzle?Rain drops are bigger than 0.5 mm, while drizzle drops are smaller than 0.5 mm. Both fall from clouds and bring water to the ground.
4. How does freezing rain happen?Freezing rain falls through a layer of air that is colder than 0°C and freezes when it touches surfaces, making ice on roads and trees.

Adiabatic Cooling: Cooling of a gas or air parcel as it expands without exchanging heat with its surroundings.
Cumulonimbus Clouds: Tall, dense clouds associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation.
Nimbostratus Clouds: Dark, gray, featureless clouds producing continuous rain or snow.
Supercooled Water: Water that remains in liquid form at temperatures below its freezing point.