Climatic factors; Precipitation

Precipitation

Precipitation is the product of the condensation of atmospheric water vapour that falls on the ground. It includes all moistures in the form of rain, snow, hail, sleet, dew, frost, drizzle etc. The precipitation depends on the season, the wind, air, pressure, and temperature. Precipitation occurs when cooling and condensation of water vapour at high altitude. Of all the form of precipitation, rain is the main sources of soil water and it also affects the humidity of an atmosphere.

Effects of precipitation on organism

• The annual rainfall determines the vegetation of any area. For eg;

1. The area with annual rainfall less than 25cm include xerophytic plants or vegetation.
2. The area with annual rainfall between 25 to 75cm is characterized by grassland.
3. The area with annual rainfall between 75 to 250cm is characterized by grassland, deciduous and coniferous forest.
4. The area with annual rainfall more than 250cm includes evergreen forests.

• The amount of water in the area determines the types of plant. For eg;

1. Plants growing in an area having plenty of water are called hydrophytes.
2. Plants growing in an area having moderate water supply are called mesophytes.
3. Plants growing in an area having less water supply are called xerophytes.

• Water is important protoplasmic constituents of every living cells and essential for metabolism.
• The heavy rainfall is destructive as it causes the landslide, flood, soil erosion etc. which damage the life.
• Hail and sleet are injurious to young plants, flower, buds, fruits etc.
• Dew and frost are important in plants, where there is low rainfall.
• The soil water which is derived from precipitation is essential for seed germination.