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Phantom Rain
Not all raindrops that fall make it to the ground. There are several conditions where rain may fall but not reach the earth. This only happens when the rain that falls from a cloud evaporates as it comes closer to the Earth’s surface. When this happens, it is known as ‘Virga Clouds’.
2. Rain has a Smell
There is a distinctive smell when raindrops land on clay or dusty soils. This is due to the trapped air bubbles causing the surface to rise upward and burst out. Then. it releases a significant scent which is then carried by the wind. This particular smell is called ‘Petrichor’.
3. Shape of a Raindrop
Raindrops are usually represented in the shape of a teardrop. This is not the case since the water droplet changes shape as it falls. It begins as a spherical shape in the air and gradually changes shape as it falls to the ground. As a result, the raindrop will take on the shape of a jelly bean.
4. How long does a raindrop take to fall to the ground?
The exact figure is difficult to find out as the height of where the raindrops fall and size can differ. Therefore, smaller droplets can take up to 7 minutes to reach the ground.
5. The wettest place on earth
Mawsynram in India is the wettest place in the world with it receiving over 11,971mm of rainfall every year.
6. The wettest day in Britain
The wettest day in Britain was December 5 2015 when it had extensive heavy rain and strong gales to certain parts of northern England and Scotland.
Related link: HOW DOES CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT AIR POLLUTION?
7. Predicting rainfall amounts from the type of cloud
Nimbostratus clouds and cumulonimbus clouds are the most common forms of clouds. The nimbostratus hangs low in the sky and appears dark and grey while cumulonimbus is shaped like a mountain with a dark grey base. Therefore, cumulonimbus clouds usually indicate a thunderstorm.
8. Not all raindrops are made of water
Rain also consists of sulfuric acid or methane which can also be found on other planets.
9. How much does rain weigh?
An inch of rain can measure about 226,000 lbs in an acre of land. One billion tons of rainfall on earth every one minute.
10. Dry in places
London and Cambridge are the driest UK cities.