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Precipitation is a major component of the water cycle, and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the planet. Approximately 505,000 cubic kilometres (121,000 cu mi) of water falls as precipitation each year: 398,000 cubic kilometres (95,000 cu mi) over oceans and 107,000 cubic kilometres (26,000 cu mi) over land. [4]
Precipitation is a major component of the water cycle, and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the planet. Approximately 486,000 cubic kilometres (117,000 cu mi) [2] of water falls as precipitation each year; 373,000 cubic kilometres (89,000 cu mi) of it over the oceans. [2]
The effects of climate change on the water cycle are profound and have been described as an intensification or a strengthening of the water cycle (also called hydrologic cycle). [23]: 1079 This effect has been observed since at least 1980. [23]: 1079 One example is when heavy rain events become even stronger.
The water cycle is essential to life on Earth and plays a large role in the global climate system and ocean circulation. The warming of our planet is expected to be accompanied by changes in the water cycle for various reasons. [3] For example, a warmer atmosphere can contain more water vapor which has effects on evaporation and rainfall.
Guam's climate is moderated by east to northeast trade winds through the year. The average annual rainfall for the island is 86 inches (2,200 mm). [74] There is a distinct dry season from January to June, and a rainy season from July to December. [75] Typhoons frequent the island, which can lead to excessive rainfall. During El Niño years, dry ...
The hydrological cycle is the movement of water through the climate system. Not only does the hydrological cycle determine patterns of precipitation, it also has an influence on the movement of energy throughout the climate system. [6] The hydrosphere proper contains all the liquid water on Earth, with most of it contained in the world's oceans ...
Precipitation is measured using a rain gauge, and more recently remote sensing techniques such as a weather radar. When classified according to the rate of precipitation, rain can be divided into categories. Light rain describes rainfall which falls at a rate of between a trace and 2.5 millimetres (0.098 in) per hour. Moderate rain describes ...
Rain falling over a drainage basin in Scotland.Understanding the cycling of water into, through, and out of catchments is a key element of hydrology. Hydrology (from Ancient Greek ὕδωρ (húdōr) 'water' and -λογία () 'study of') is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth and other planets, including the water cycle, water resources, and ...