What is rain?
Rain is a form of precipitation that falls from the sky in liquid form. It occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into water droplets and becomes heavy enough to fall to the ground.
How is rain formed?
Rain formation involves three main processes: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
- Evaporation: The sun’s heat causes water from various sources like oceans, rivers, and lakes to turn into vapor and rise into the atmosphere.
- Condensation: As the warm water vapor rises, it cools down and turns back into liquid water droplets. These tiny droplets create clouds in the sky.
- Precipitation: When the water droplets in the clouds grow larger and become heavy, they fall to the ground as raindrops. This process is known as precipitation.
Why does it rain?
Rain is a crucial part of Earth’s water cycle. It helps to distribute water over different regions, filling up lakes, rivers, and groundwater sources. Rainfall is essential for plants and animals to survive, ensuring the growth of crops and supplying drinking water for humans.
How to measure rainfall?
Rainfall can be measured using a rain gauge. A rain gauge is a simple device consisting of a cylindrical container that collects rainwater. By measuring the amount of water accumulated in the gauge, scientists can determine the quantity of rainfall in a specific area.
Fun facts about rain:
- Raindrops are not tear-shaped. They are actually shaped like tiny hamburgers due to air resistance.
- The average rainfall in the Amazon rainforest is about 108 inches (274 cm) per year, making it one of the wettest places on Earth.
- Not all rain reaches the ground. Some evaporates before reaching the surface, which is known as virga.
Now you know the magical journey raindrops take before they touch the ground. The next time you see rain falling from the sky, think about the fascinating processes that contribute to this wonderful phenomenon. So, grab your umbrellas and rain boots, and enjoy the beauty of rain with a newfound understanding!