Precipitation – Geography

Precipitation is the process of continuous condensation in free air. The condensed particles grow in size and fall onto the earth’s surface.

It rains due to the disruption of the temperature gradient and continuous condensation. The heat from the earth’s surface is incapable of entering into it, as a result of which rain clouds are formed.

The process of continuous condensation in free air helps the condensed particles to grow in size. When the resistance of the air fails to hold them against the force of gravity, they fall on to the earth’s surface.

So after the condensation of water vapour, the release of moisture is known as precipitation.

This may take place in liquid or solid form. The precipitation in the form of water is called rainfall, when the temperature is lower than the OOC, precipitation takes place in the form of fine flakes of snow and is called snowfall.