Precipitation MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Cyclonic precipitation

Step-by-step solution

1. Cyclonic (convergent) precipitation occurs when air converges into a low-pressure belt. 2. The converging moist air is lifted and cooled, which causes rain.

Explanation

In a cyclone, air flows from the surrounding high-pressure regions towards the low-pressure centre, rises and cools, giving cyclonic precipitation. Frontal precipitation involves warm and cold air masses meeting; orographic is due to a mountain barrier; convective is due to local heating.

Shortcut

Cyclone = convergence into a low; Front = two air masses; Orographic = mountain; Convective = heat.

Common mistake

Choosing frontal precipitation (it is also part of cyclones).