What is Precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of water that falls to the earth's surface. This includes snow, rain, sleet, freezing rain, and hail.

Precipitation is generated in clouds. When water vapor droplets in clouds become so large that updrafts within the clouds can no longer support them, the water will fall to the earth under the force of gravity.

Why is Precipitation Important?

Precipitation is needed to replenish water to the earth. Without precipitation, this planet would be an enormous desert. The amount and duration of precipitation events affect both water level and water quality within an estuary. Precipitation supplies freshwater to estuaries, which is an important source of dissolved oxygen and nutrients. Droughts lower the freshwater input to estuaries and the water levels of inland lakes. Lake levels influence water drainage and circulation patterns in freshwater estuaries.

How is Precipitation measured? Precipitation Sensor Technology Precipitation Science Lesson