NASA | Anatomy of a Raindrop

The video explains the water cycle, highlighting how water evaporates, condenses, and precipitates. It delves into the formation of raindrops, emphasizing their spherical shape due to surface tension and how they change shape as they fall. The video also discusses technological advancements like high-speed photography and radars that enhance our understanding of precipitation, allowing for more accurate weather predictions.

What is the primary process that initiates the water cycle?

• Precipitation in the form of rain

• Evaporation of water from surfaces

• Storage of water in snowpack

• Condensation of water vapor

How do small water droplets in the atmosphere initially form?

• By colliding with other droplets

• Due to surface tension

• By breaking apart from larger drops

• Through wind resistance

What shape does a raindrop resemble as it falls and grows larger?

• A hamburger bun

• A flat disc

• A teardrop

• A perfect sphere

What technological advancement allowed scientists to observe raindrop dynamics more clearly?

• Satellite imaging

• High-speed photography

• Ground-based radars

• Weather balloons

How do radars on the GPM satellite contribute to precipitation measurement?

• By measuring the temperature of raindrops

• By counting the number of raindrops

• By detecting the color of raindrops

• By estimating the vertical and horizontal size of raindrops