Precipitation

Precipitation is the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into liquid water or ice particles and falls to the Earth's surface.

Rain is the type of precipitation that occurs when water vapor condenses into liquid water droplets and falls to the Earth's surface.

Snow is the type of precipitation that occurs when water vapor condenses directly into solid ice crystals and falls to the Earth's surface.

Sleet is the type of precipitation that occurs when raindrops freeze before reaching the Earth's surface.

Hail is the type of precipitation that occurs when small, round balls of ice fall from the sky.

Total precipitation is the term used to describe the amount of precipitation that falls in a given area over a period of time.

Precipitation rate is the term used to describe the rate at which precipitation falls.

Accumulated precipitation is the term used to describe the amount of precipitation that has accumulated on the ground over a period of time.

Temperature is the primary factor that determines the type of precipitation that occurs.

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere changes into liquid water or ice particles.

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water or ice particles in the atmosphere change into water vapor.

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere.

Evaporation is the process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere.

Precipitation is the process by which water moves from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

The water cycle is the term used to describe the process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back to the Earth's surface.