Question

Convectional rainfall usually occurs in ____________.
A. Deserts
B. Equatorial region
C. Taiga
D. Eastern Europe

Answer 1

Hint: Convectional rainfall is accompanied by thunder and lightning. It is highly localised and cloudiness is seen only for a short while.

Complete Answer: Vertical air currents are generated due to excessive heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun's energy thus leading in the ascent of warm and humid air. In the upper reaches, the warm air expands and condensation takes place. When the air reaches the condensation point cumulonimbus clouds are formed, thus resulting in heavy downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning. This type of rainfall is termed as Convectional rainfall. During the process of condensation and precipitation latent heat is released which results in further heating of the air. Heated air ascends and further condensation takes place in still higher reaches. When convection currents are strong it produces hailstones.

So, the necessary conditions for convectional rainfall to occur is intensive heating of the earth’s surface due to insolation which causes the air to expand and rise and also the presence of abundant moisture in the air is important to produce a high relative humidity. It occurs generally in the equatorial regions of the world. Other regions of convectional rainfall are middle latitudes on summer days.

Most of India’s rainfall is brought by southwest monsoon winds but you can also observe conventional rains in India, during hot summers in places like Delhi, Andhra Pradesh etc.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Convectional rainfall is also known as 4 o'clock rainfall. It happens throughout the year in the equatorial regions and generally happens at 4 p.m. For example, heavy rainfall can be observed in the Amazon Rainforest mostly during the afternoons.