Weather Types: Precipitation Forms

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of classic sunshine recorders?

To calculate crop yields

To measure wind speed

To record the duration of bright sunlight (correct)

To estimate evapotranspiration

At what heights are anemometers generally placed for wind measurements?

0.5m and 3m

1m and 5m

5m and 15m

2m and 10m (correct)

Which type of anemometer is considered the most reliable?

Cup counter anemometer (correct)

Digital anemometer

Hot-wire anemometer

Sonic anemometer

What is a key characteristic to consider when using a wind vane?

It can be affected by nearby obstacles Signup and view all the answers

How does a wind cone measure wind conditions?

By indicating wind speed and direction Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes convective precipitation compared to cyclonic precipitation?

It is shorter in duration but more intense. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of precipitation is most commonly associated with thunderstorm activity?

Convective precipitation Signup and view all the answers

How does cyclonic precipitation typically compare to convective precipitation in terms of duration?

Cyclonic precipitation lasts longer than convective precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that causes orographic precipitation?

Uplifting of moist air over high ground Signup and view all the answers

Which side of a mountain typically receives more precipitation, leading to the rain shadow effect on the opposite side?

Windward side Signup and view all the answers

How are measurements of weather data typically classified?

Automatic and Conventional Signup and view all the answers

What instrument is used to measure wind speed?

Cup anemometer Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical characteristic of rainfall intensity?

It is defined as the amount of rainfall per unit time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a pyranometer?

To measure incoming solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

How does a tipping bucket rain gauge measure rainfall?

Each bucket tip represents 0.2mm of rainfall Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Stevenson screen?

To shield instruments from direct weather effects Signup and view all the answers

What type of thermometer would you use to measure temperature using resistance changes?

Resistance thermometer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sensors measures the rate of evaporation?

Evaporation tank Signup and view all the answers

What must be avoided in the surroundings of a weather station?

Nearby trees Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of weather broadcasts for farmers during seasonal rains?

To warn of impending rain Signup and view all the answers

Which thermometer type is commonly used to measure temperature via voltage changes?

Thermistor Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the Campbell/Sunshine recorder?

It requires daily replacement of cards. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant financial benefit of using plastic sheeting during potential rain?

Saves about 60 US dollars per tonne of crops Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main objective of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)?

Conduct international agricultural research Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major functions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)?

To organize and maintain observation stations Signup and view all the answers

What type of institution is the national meteorological service?

Scientific institution providing public meteorological services Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is included in the responsibilities of meteorological institutions?

Studying weather factors affecting soil and crops Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is responsible for global collection and exchange of meteorological data?

World Meteorological Organization Signup and view all the answers

What benefit can farmers expect from saving 1% of their production through weather information?

Financial gain of about 60 thousand US dollars Signup and view all the answers

What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a service provided by the national weather service?

Marine navigation assistance Signup and view all the answers

What type of precipitation is caused by the vertical motion of an ascending mass of air that is warmer than its environment?

Convective precipitation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases is present in the atmosphere in the lowest proportion?

Krypton Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is described as the condensation of water vapor on a surface cooled below the dew point temperature?

Dew Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is associated with agricultural meteorology training?

AGRHYMET Signup and view all the answers

Fog is characterized by visibility of less than what distance?

1 kilometer Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is commonly mentioned as variable in proportion within the atmosphere?

Carbon Dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Precipitation

Convective Precipitation:
- Typically intense but of shorter duration, often linked with thunderstorms.
- Common in Southern Nigeria and during early rainy season in the North.
Cyclonic/Frontal Precipitation:
- Results from large-scale vertical air motion related to low-pressure systems.
- Moderate intensity, continuous, covering extensive areas; lasts typically 6-12 hours.
- Common in Southern Nigeria and Southeast Asia.
Orographic/Relief Precipitation:
- Caused by the uplift of moist air over high terrain.
- Windward slopes receive more precipitation than leeward sides, which experience a rain shadow effect.
- Precipitation levels depend on mountain size and alignment to prevailing winds.

Measurement of Rainfall

Rainfall intensity is expressed as the amount of rainfall per unit time, with measurements categorized under fluxes.

Weather Stations

Types:
- Automatic weather stations (electronic) and Conventional weather stations.

Instruments and Sensors

Cup Anemometer: Measures wind speed; uses solar power, collects data every 30 seconds.
Pyranometer: Measures solar radiation intensity.
Rain Gauge: Electric device with tipping bucket system; typically records rainfall per unit time.
Stevenson Screen: Houses thermometers to standardize air temperature measurement.
Piche Evaporimeter: Measures evaporation from surfaces and plant transpiration.
Campbell/Sunshine Recorder: Measures sunshine duration with burnable cards.
Earth Thermometer: Measures soil temperature.
Evaporation Tanks: Different types used to measure evaporation rates.

Surroundings of Weather Stations

Should have a flat slope, low grass, minimal nearby trees, a power source, and secure fencing.

Thermometers

Various types (alcohol in glass, mercury in glass, thermocouples, etc.) are used to measure temperature.
Sunshine recorders indicate bright sunlight duration by burning cards.

Wind Measurement Instruments

Anemometers: Essential for knowing wind quantity; tallies wind speed at various heights.
Wind Vane: Indicates local wind direction; can be affected by nearby obstructions.
Wind Cone: Simple tool depicting wind speed/direction; commonly seen at airports.

Meteorological Institutions

WMO: World Meteorological Organization, a UN specialized agency for worldwide meteorological observation and cooperation.
NIMET: Nigerian Meteorological Agency; maintains observation networks, evaluates data, and disseminates forecasts.
Other organizations include FAO, WWW, UNEP, and several research institutes focusing on agricultural meteorology.

Atmospheric Composition

The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases, primarily:
- Nitrogen: 78.09%
- Oxygen: 20.95%
- Argon: 0.93%
- CO2: 0.03% (variable)
Other trace gases include krypton and helium.

Condensation Phenomena

Dew: Formed from water vapor condensation on cooler surfaces.
Fog: Visibility is reduced to less than 1 km due to water droplets or smoke particles.
Frost: Occurs when temperature drops below freezing, creating icy deposits on the ground.

Summary of Precipitation Types

Convective: Quick, intense, associated with thunderstorms.
Cyclonic: Moderate, longer-duration, wide-spread.
Orographic: Influenced by terrain; varied precipitation on slopes.

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Description

Explore the different types of precipitation including convective, cyclonic, and orographic. This quiz highlights the characteristics, intensity, and duration of each type, with a focus on regional examples, particularly in Nigeria. Test your knowledge of how weather systems influence precipitation patterns.