Types of Rainfall: Cyclonic, Convectional, Orographic, Three Types of Rain

Three Types of Rainfall

There are various types of rainfall based on the origin, which are discussed here. The precipitation process, when it occurs in the form of water droplets, is called rainfall. It is a natural phenomenon that happens on the earth’s surface. It is a major source of freshwater on Earth, which is mandatory for the survival of living beings on the planet.

Based on its origin, types of rainfall are generally classified into three categories:

• Convectional rainfall
• Cyclonic rainfall / Frontal rainfall
• Orographic or Relief rainfall

The different types of rainfall in India affect its flora and fauna in various ways. India is an agriculture-based economy, and rainfall is a major factor contributing to its growth and development. Let us look at the various types of rainfall in India.

Convectional Rainfall

Convectional rainfall is the most common among the 3 types of rainfall in India. It got its name from the ‘convection currents’ created in the atmosphere. Convectional rainfall occurs when the heat of the Sun raises the Earth’s temperature to an extreme level, resulting in air evaporation. We can understand this process in a few simple steps as follows:

• The air present on Earth in a particular area warms up and gets lighter. This results in evaporation, and the air moves up in the atmosphere through convection currents.
• The air then moves up and reaches a high altitude; it expands and cools down the Earth’s atmosphere for that specific region/area.
• Condensation of water vapour then takes place, resulting in the formation of ‘cumulus’ clouds.
• This process is usually followed by thunderstorms and lightning, resulting in heavy rainfall in a specific area.
• This rainfall is majorly ‘localized’ in its rainfall pattern in India and carries on for a short period.
• Convectional rainfall is accompanied by heavy rain or thundershowers during a hot sunny day.

This type of rainfall occurs on scorching days or summers, raising the Earth’s temperature. Conventional rainfall mainly occurs in Equatorial regions and is the most common type of rainfall worldwide.

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Cyclonic Rainfall

Cyclonic rainfall is also referred to as Frontal rainfall. As the name suggests, this type of rainfall results from ‘cyclonic activity. A cyclone is composed of a large mass of air moving toward a strong atmospheric pressure centre.

Cyclonic rainfall is also called Frontal rainfall as it occurs on the fronts of a cyclone. Cyclonic rainfall occurs when the hot air collides with the cool air. Both these air masses have different densities and temperatures.

• The warm or hot air becomes lighter and moves higher above the cool air.
• As this hot air reaches a higher altitude than the cooler air, it starts to cool down.
• The air’s moisture condenses due to saturation and converts into a cloud.
• This results in heavy cyclonic rainfall, which carries on for a few hours and sometimes extends up to a few days.

According to the annual data released by the Meteorological department, the average rainfall in India is around 118 cm.

Learn: The Place in India Receiving the Lowest Rainfall is?

Orographic Rainfall

Orographic rainfall is also known as Relief rainfall. This type of rainfall occurs in the area where mountains along with the sea are majorly present. Its whole process is directly connected to the mountains. The frequent occurrence of relief rainfall happens in the regions wherever the sea accompanies the mountains.

• The air or wind filled with moisture rises from the sea and hits the mountain, increasing it to a higher altitude. This leads to the expansion of air and the lowering of the temperature.
• The air now cools down, condenses, and initiates the formation of clouds.
• These clouds are filled with water vapour, and when reaching the point of saturation, they begin precipitation on the sea-facing side of the mountain.
• The front of the mountain is called the windward side, and the relief rainfall usually occurs on this side. The other side is called the leeward side, which faces fewer rain showers due to a lack of moisture.
• The area located on the leeward side of the mountain is called the ‘rain-shadow’ area.

The Relief or Orographic rainfall is widespread in Sierra Nevada, Hawaii, and the Andes.

Types of Rainfall: Basic Differences

The three types of rainfall differ on various bases like region, temperature, and other weather conditions. Major differences between the three types of rainfall are listed below:

Characteristics	Conventional	Orographic	Cyclonic Rainfall
Cause	Occur when there is a rise in the temperature of the earth’s surface, thus causing the vapour to rise, and because of this, a saturation point is reached in the atmosphere, causing condensation and then precipitation.	Occur in mountainous regions with consistent winds where the air is forced up to reach from low elevation to high elevation on the mountainside, thus creating a saturation point in the atmosphere and causing condensation and precipitation.	Occur in weather disturbances where air masses of different densities and less dense or warmer ones override the colder to high denser air. Under the right conditions, condensation occurs, followed by precipitation.
Abundance	Occurs in the region of the tropics where the temperature is usually high. Occur during the summer in the hotter part of the day.	Occur in the mountain region with a moist climate due to persistent wind at the side of the mountain.	Occur in low-pressure areas.
Duration	Occurs for a shorter period of time.	Occur for a consistent and notable period of time	Duration cannot be determined

Also, know the difference between Rain and Precipitation here.

Types of Rainfall Based on Humidity

Apart from the various types of rainfall we experience, we can also classify them based on humidity levels. Based on the extent of humidity, rainfall can be classified into the following three types:

• Light Rainfall – If the humidity rate ranges between 0 – 2.5 millimetres, it is called ‘light rainfall’.
• Moderate Rainfall – In this type of rainfall, the humidity falls in the range of 2.6 – 7.6 millimetres.
• Heavy Rainfall – The type of rainfall can be called ‘heavy’ when the humidity reaches above 7.6 millimetres.

Types of Rainfall UPSC

Types of rainfall UPSC topic is an important concept in the Geography subject of the UPSC syllabus. If the aspirants wish to secure good marks, they need to be thorough with their knowledge, and the concepts should have clarity. The three types of rainfall are Orographic, Convectional, and Cyclonic rainfall. The characteristics of each type must be studied carefully to answer questions based on it in UPSC and other competitive exams.

☛ Types of Rainfall PDF

Important Notes for UPSC
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