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2 Basic Ecology
2.2.4 Precipitation
Precipitation is defined as any form of water that forms in the atmosphere and drops
onto the Earth’s surface. Precipitation is an important aspect of the water cycle. It
falls to the surface of the Earth as rain and snow and eventually evaporates into the
atmosphere in a gaseous state. People depend on precipitation for getting freshwater
used to wash and drink and to carry out irrigation for crops. The most common forms
of precipitation are rain, hail , hail and snow.
Rain is defined as the precipitation that gets to the ground in the form of water
droplets. Ice pellets are a form of rain that falls from the clouds, but freezes
before reaching the ground (Lydolph 1985). Hail is formed within intense storm
clouds when cold water droplets freeze and turn solid. On the other hand, snow is
precipitation which falls to the ground in the form of ice crystals. Ideally, all these
forms of precipitation happen when some part of the atmosphere is saturated with
water vapor. Finally, precipitation plays a crucial role in ensuring that freshwater is
deposited on the Earth’s surface.
In which months does your local area experience heavy amounts of precipitation? Identify the seasons if possible.
2.2.5 Sun’s Radiation
The Sun is the major heat source that reaches the Earth. Conceptually, the
Sun’s radiation is a combination of electromagnetic waves (EV) that range from
ultraviolet rays (UV) to infrared rays (IR) and influences weather systems as well as
photosynthesis in plants. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is deposited mainly in
infrared and visible wavelengths. As the Earth is heated by EM radiation, the Earth
also radiates heat into space. The energy balance of the Earth and the climate relies
on a balance between the EM energy that gets into the Earth and the energy emitted
from the Earth. When the total quantity of energy leaving the planet is equivalent
to that getting in, the global climate may remain unaffected. The sun’s angle causes
seasonal weather changes.
2 Basic Ecology
2.2.4 Precipitation
Precipitation is defined as any form of water that forms in the atmosphere and drops
onto the Earth’s surface. Precipitation is an important aspect of the water cycle. It
falls to the surface of the Earth as rain and snow and eventually evaporates into the
atmosphere in a gaseous state. People depend on precipitation for getting freshwater
used to wash and drink and to carry out irrigation for crops. The most common forms
of precipitation are rain, hail , hail and snow.
Rain is defined as the precipitation that gets to the ground in the form of water
droplets. Ice pellets are a form of rain that falls from the clouds, but freezes
before reaching the ground (Lydolph 1985). Hail is formed within intense storm
clouds when cold water droplets freeze and turn solid. On the other hand, snow is
precipitation which falls to the ground in the form of ice crystals. Ideally, all these
forms of precipitation happen when some part of the atmosphere is saturated with
water vapor. Finally, precipitation plays a crucial role in ensuring that freshwater is
deposited on the Earth’s surface.
In which months does your local area experience heavy amounts of precipitation? Identify the seasons if possible.
2.2.5 Sun’s Radiation
The Sun is the major heat source that reaches the Earth. Conceptually, the
Sun’s radiation is a combination of electromagnetic waves (EV) that range from
ultraviolet rays (UV) to infrared rays (IR) and influences weather systems as well as
photosynthesis in plants. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is deposited mainly in
infrared and visible wavelengths. As the Earth is heated by EM radiation, the Earth
also radiates heat into space. The energy balance of the Earth and the climate relies
on a balance between the EM energy that gets into the Earth and the energy emitted
from the Earth. When the total quantity of energy leaving the planet is equivalent
to that getting in, the global climate may remain unaffected. The sun’s angle causes
seasonal weather changes.