The three main types of rainfall are:
1. Convectional Rainfall
- Occurs when the sun heats the Earth's surface, causing moisture-laden air to rise. As the air ascends, it cools, condenses, and forms clouds, leading to rainfall.
- Common in tropical regions, especially during the hot afternoon hours.
2. Orographic (Relief) Rainfall:
- Occurs when moist air is forced to ascend over a mountain range or elevated terrain. As the air rises, it cools, condenses, and produces rain on the windward side of the mountain.
- The leeward side often receives less rainfall, resulting in a rain shadow.
3. Frontal (Cyclonic) Rainfall:
- Occurs when two air masses of different temperatures (warm and cold) meet. The warmer, moist air is forced to rise over the denser cold air, causing the moisture to condense and produce rainfall.
- Common in temperate regions and associated with weather fronts.