Question

Name the three types of rainfall. With the help of a diagram describe each type of rainfall.

Answer 1

1. Convectional rainfall: It occurs in the Equatorial regions. The high temperature leads to the rapid heating of air. Such heated air rises in convectional currents, leading to the development of clouds at about 10 km height. Ascending currents of hot and humid air causes condensation of the clouds, resulting in heavy rainfall.
   
2. Relief Rainfall: Relief rainfall is also known as Orographic Rainfall. It occurs from the cooling of warm moist air which ascends above the mountain barrier lying in the direction of the prevailing winds. The presence of mountains causes humid air to rise. The sudden ascent causes the cooling of the air, leading to condensation and precipitation.
   
3. Cyclonic Rainfall: This type of rainfall is due to cyclones and depressions. When warm and cold air masses confront each other, the warmer air generally climbs above the colder. The rising air is cooled while undergoing a frontal lift. This causes precipitation.
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