Theory question 305
Weather(a) State one difference between weather and climate. (b) With the aid of a diagram describe the mode of formation of cyclonic rainfall. (c) Highlight three benefits of cyclonic rainfall.
Show the model answer
(a) Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a place over a short time, while climate is the average weather of a place over a long period (about 35 years).
(b) Diagram: warm air mass meeting cold air mass along a front, warm air rising over the wedge of cold air, clouds and rain at the front. Two air masses of different temperature and humidity meet; the lighter warm air is forced to rise over the denser cold air; it cools as it rises, reaches dew point and condenses into clouds; rain falls along the front (frontal/cyclonic rain), usually as long periods of steady rain.
(c) Water for agriculture; replenishes rivers, lakes and groundwater; water for domestic and industrial use; supports vegetation and wildlife; hydroelectric power; cools the weather.
Show the front in the diagram.