Describe the distribution of world rainfall.

The most common form of precipitation is rainfall. But the distribution of rainfall is not uniform throughout the world. Some areas receive heavy rainfall compared to others. It can be summarised as follows:

• The eastern coast between 10 ̊ N and 30 ̊ N and 10 ̊ S and 30 ̊ S of the equator receives more rainfall because of the operation of trade winds. Compared to the eastern coast the western coast receives lesser rainfall.

• The western coast between 40 ̊ N and 60 ̊ N and 40 ̊ S and 60 ̊ S of the equator receives more rainfall because of the operation of westerlies. Compared to the west coast the eastern coast receives lesser rainfall.

• The low-pressure areas around the equator receive more rainfall than the subsequent high-pressure areas.

• Oceans receive more rainfall compared to the continents.