Skip to main content

The Unequal Distribution of Global Precipitation

Typically, the Earth experiences an annual precipitation of approximately one meter (39 inches) in the form of rain or snow. Nevertheless, variations in factors such as latitude, wind patterns, alterations in the Earth's surface, and the planet's axial tilt result in an uneven distribution of global precipitation.Typically, the Earth experiences an annual precipitation of approximately one meter (39 inches) in the form of rain or snow. Nevertheless, variations in factors such as latitude, wind patterns, alterations in the Earth's surface, and the planet's axial tilt result in an uneven distribution of global precipitation.

To illustrate this phenomenon, cartographer Perrin Remonté utilizes information from Chelsea Climate. The world is divided into two sections for visualization purposes. The first half, depicted in blue, receives an annual precipitation of more than one meter (rain or snow), while the second half receives less.


The Unequal Distribution of Global Precipitation

Derived from the water cycle, precipitation initiates with evaporation. However, for moist air to transform into rain (or snow), it must first cool and condense. Here are some key factors that significantly influence precipitation:

  • Lower Latitudes: Regions situated at or near the equator experience higher temperatures, leading to increased evaporation from nearby water bodies.
  • Topography: Mountain ranges, particularly those along coastlines, compel warm air to ascend and cool, resulting in precipitation like rain or snow on the windward side and arid rain shadows on the leeward side.
  • Trade Winds: Steady easterly surface winds, originating from subtropical high-pressure zones and blowing towards the equator, transport moist air from the ocean to the land.

Top 10 countries with the highest average precipitation, mm

  1. Colombia: 3,240
  2. Sao Tome & Principe: 3,200
  3. Papua New Guinea: 3,142
  4. Solomon Islands: 3,028
  5. Panama: 2,928
  6. Costa Rica: 2,926
  7. Samoa: 2,880
  8. Malaysi:a 2,875
  9. Brunei Darussalam: 2,722
  10. Indonesia: 2,702
According to the World bank data, leading the rankings, Colombia encountered 3,240 millimeters (125.8 inches) of rainfall in 2020. This substantial precipitation can be attributed to Colombia's equatorial positioning, its proximity to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (where trade winds from both hemispheres converge), dual coastlines, and the presence of the Andes mountain range.

Top 10 countries with the lowest average precipitation, mm

  1. Egypt: 18
  2. Libya: 56
  3. Saudi Arabia: 59
  4. Qatar: 74
  5. UAE: 78
  6. Bahrain: 83
  7. Algeria: 89
  8. Mauritania: 92
  9. Jordan: 111
  10. Kuwait: 121
Most of the countries with arid climates are in North Africa and the Middle East.

Despite having sea coasts, countries in North Africa such as Egypt and Libya are arid. High-pressure systems block moist air, mountains create rain shadows, and cold ocean currents limit evaporation. The region falls within the 30-degree latitude band around the equator, which creates dry atmospheric conditions leading to the formation of deserts.




To learn more about the climate of our planet have a look at the following books:
Labels:

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Find cities with similar climate

This map has been created using The Global environmental stratification. The Global environmental stratification (GEnS), based on statistical clustering of bioclimate data (WorldClim). GEnS, consists of 125 strata, which have been aggregated into 18 global environmental zones (labeled A to R) based on the dendrogram. Interactive map >> Via www.vividmaps.com Related posts: -  Find cities with similar climate 2050 -  How global warming will impact 6000+ cities around the world?
Read more

Moose population in North America

The moose ( Alces alces ) is the largest member of the deer family, characterized by its massive size, long legs, and distinctive broad, palmate antlers found in males. They have a dark brown or black coat and a humped shoulder. Moose are primarily found in the boreal and mixed deciduous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are solitary animals, often found near bodies of water, and are herbivores that feed on leaves, bark, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their size, moose are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. The moose population in North America is shrinking swiftly. This decrease has been correlated to the opening of roadways and landscapes into this animal's north range.   In North America, the moose range includes almost all of Canada and Alaska, the northern part of New England and New York, the upper Rocky Mountains, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Isle Royale.    In 2014-2015, the North Americ...
Read more

Map of Fox Species Distribution

Foxes are small to medium-sized members of the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, dogs, and other related animals. There are about 37 species of foxes distributed around the world, and they inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. Below is the map of fox species distribution  created by Reddit user isaacSW Here are some of the most well-known fox species and their distribution: Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ): The red fox is one of the most widely distributed fox species and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Arctic Fox ( Vulpes lagopus ): The Arctic fox is found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They have adaptations that help them survive in cold climates, such as a thick coat that changes color with the seasons. Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ): The gray ...
1 comment
Read more