Larger raindrops (two to three millimeters (0.078-0.118 inches) across) are also round, but with a small indent on their bottom side. In fact, smaller raindrops (ones that are approximately one millimeter (0.039 inches) across) are almost perfectly spherical. This helps water droplets gather together and become large enough to fall to the earth.Ī common misconception is that when raindrops fall, they have a teardrop shape. These particles, called “condensation nuclei,” provide a surface for water vapor to condense upon. Particles of dust or smoke in the atmosphere are essential for precipitation. As the snowflakes fall through warmer air, they become raindrops. Most rain actually begins as snow high in the clouds. These ice crystals then fall to the earth as snow, hail, or rain, depending on the temperature within the cloud and at Earth’s surface. If a cloud is colder, like it would be at higher altitudes, the water droplets may freeze to form ice. When the drops are heavy enough, they fall to the earth. Precipitation forms in the clouds when water vapor condenses into bigger and bigger droplets of water. Along with evaporation and condensation, precipitation is one of the three major parts of the global water cycle. It comes in many forms, like rain, sleet, and snow. Precipitation is any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and falls back to the earth.

Define precipitate reaction