Clouds and precipitation

On the windward slope, moist air rises and condenses. In exams, connect windward slope with more rainfall.

On the leeward side of a mountain, descending air may become dry and cause low rainfall. In exams, link rain shadow with orographic rainfall.

Water becomes vapour, air cools, and condensation forms clouds. In exams, remember this simple water-cycle sequence.

Drizzle is light rain with very small drops. In exams, identify drizzle as light rainfall.

Snowfall falls as ice particles, so it is solid. In exams, connect snowfall with ice.

Height can affect cloud structure, temperature, and rain possibility. In exams, remember height-based classification.

Small droplets join to become larger and fall when heavy. In exams, link droplet coalescence with rain formation.

Small white cumulus clouds can appear in fair weather. In exams, connect small white cumulus with fair weather.

Rainwater can flow into water bodies or seep into soil. In exams, remember runoff and infiltration after rain.

When moist air rises and cools, condensation can begin. In exams, remember moisture, uplift, and cooling together.

Clouds and precipitation are important for understanding weather and climate. In exams, link them with climatology.

Clouds are groups of tiny droplets or ice crystals formed by condensation of water vapour. Exam tip: connect clouds with condensation.

Rainfall reaches the ground as water drops. Exam tip: remember rain as liquid precipitation.

Cumulus clouds look fluffy and cotton-like. Exam tip: connect cotton-like shape with cumulus.

Cirrus clouds are high thin and feather-like. Exam tip: remember feather-like clouds as cirrus.

Stratus clouds typically spread across the sky as a broad, fairly uniform layer, so Stratus is correct. Cumulus clouds look like cottony heaps, whereas cirrus clouds are thin and wispy at high altitudes. Exam tip: link layer-like or sheet-like clouds with stratus.

Nimbus is associated with rain-bearing clouds. Exam tip: remember nimbus for rain clouds.

Clouds form by condensation of water vapour so moisture is needed in air. Exam tip: remember water vapour in cloud formation.

Precipitation means water drops or ice particles fall toward the ground. Exam tip: connect falling water from clouds with precipitation.

Snowfall falls as ice crystals or flakes. Exam tip: treat snowfall as solid precipitation.