GGR217H5 Lecture 2: Lec 2- Precipitation and Snowmelt Part1
Document Summary
Formation of water droplets and ice crystals takes place when the water in the atmo is cooled. Occurs when the surface heat makes air particles warmer and less dense so it rises, as it rises it cools with the cooler temperature the higher up it goes, rise and condense. Produce intense rain often accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hail, localized and limited in areal extent. Occurs when an air mass must ascend up slope (pushed against a topographical barrier) Strong effect when mtns border the coast line. Pushed up mtn, cools, starts to rain, pushed over the other side very dry air lost all the moisture, as the warm air goes down the land mass it picks up what ever. Coastal range: warm moist ocean air hits range and is forced upwards, rising air cools and losing its ability to retain moisture; results in heavy rainfall and feeds lush forests on western slopes.
