Precipitation: frequency and intensity; fogs and thunderstorms in urban environments
Cities receive more rainfall than the countryside around them, and that rain tends to fall harder and faster. Urban areas also experience more fog and intense thunderstorms.
Real World
During the August 2004 Boscastle flash flood in Cornwall, an intense convective thunderstorm — intensified by heat from the built environment — dropped 200mm of rain in two hours, destroying the village centre.
Exam Focus
Distinguish between increased frequency and increased intensity of precipitation; examiners award marks for both dimensions separately.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?