Browse drop size Resources

Browse drop size Resources

The Anatomy of a Raindrop

The Anatomy of a Raindrop
Primary Topic: 
Water Cycle
Subtopics: 
Precipitation, Water Properties, Remote Sensing
Type: 
Video
Audience: 
Outreach, Informal, General
Standards: 
ESS2.C
Keywords: 
rain, raindrops, drop size, drop distribution, microphysics
Summary: 
Contrary to popular belief, raindrops are not tear shaped and are actually shaped like the top of a hamburger bun, round on the top and flat on the bottom. This new video from GPM explains why.

The Shape of a Raindrop

Basic illustration of air pressure on a raindrop
Primary Topic: 
Water Cycle
Type: 
Article
Audience: 
Formal, 9 - 12
Standards: 
ESS2.A
Keywords: 
raindrops, precipitation microphysics, drop size
Summary: 
This article teaches how a drop of rain changes shape as it falls through the atmosphere.