Meteorology
- Venus: It rains sulfuric acid, but the hot surface temperatures prevent it from reaching the ground. planetary.org
- Titan (Saturn's moon): It rains methane or ethane, due to its cold temperatures. science.nasa.gov
- Exoplanets: Theoretical studies suggest the possibility of rain made of silicates, iron, or even diamonds on certain exoplanets, depending on their atmospheric composition and temperature. space.com
Weather refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a specific place and time. It includes:
- Temperature: How hot or cold it is.
- Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air.
- Precipitation: Rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Wind: The speed and direction of air movement.
- Cloud cover: The amount and type of clouds.
- Atmospheric pressure: The weight of the air above a certain point.
Weather can change rapidly and can vary greatly from one location to another. It is influenced by factors such as sunlight, air pressure, and the movement of air masses.
For further information, you can check these resources:
Rain can be both beneficial and harmful to living and non-living things, depending on its characteristics and the environment it interacts with.
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Living Things:
- Water Source: Rain is a primary source of fresh water for plants and animals, essential for their survival.
- Nutrient Cycling: Rain helps dissolve and transport nutrients in the soil, making them accessible to plants.
- Temperature Regulation: Rain can help cool the environment by evaporating and reducing ambient temperatures.
- Atmospheric Cleansing: Rain washes pollutants and dust particles from the air, improving air quality.
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Living Things:
- Acid Rain: Rain polluted with acidic compounds (e.g., sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) can damage plants, acidify water bodies (harming aquatic life), and disrupt ecosystems. Source: EPA on Acid Rain
- Flooding: Excessive rainfall can lead to flooding, causing drowning, habitat destruction, and the spread of waterborne diseases. Source: Ready.gov on Floods
- Soil Erosion: Heavy rain can erode topsoil, removing valuable nutrients and reducing soil fertility.
- Disease Spread: Rain can facilitate the spread of certain diseases, particularly fungal diseases in plants and waterborne illnesses in animals and humans.
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Non-Living Things:
- Corrosion: Acid rain and even normal rain can corrode metals and degrade building materials like stone and concrete.
- Water Damage: Rain can damage buildings, infrastructure, and other structures, leading to structural weaknesses and costly repairs.
- Erosion of Structures: Over time, rain can erode and damage monuments, statues, and other outdoor structures.
The phrase "The sky is falling!" is a popular idiom derived from the fable of Chicken Little, also known as Henny Penny.
Meaning: It expresses a sense of panic or hysteria, often based on little to no evidence. It suggests that someone is overreacting to a situation, believing that disaster is imminent when there's no real cause for alarm.
Origin: The story of Chicken Little involves a chicken who is struck on the head by a falling acorn. The chicken then jumps to the conclusion that the sky is falling and runs around warning everyone, causing widespread panic.
Usage: The phrase is used to dismiss someone's exaggerated fears or warnings.