The correct statement regarding the difference between sleet and hail is:
Sleet occurs when it is cold, but hail does not.
Here's a brief explanation of the differences:
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Sleet refers to small pellets of ice that form when raindrops freeze before they reach the ground. This typically occurs in colder temperatures, especially during winter storms.
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Hail, on the other hand, forms in severe thunderstorms with strong updrafts. It consists of larger balls or chunks of ice that develop in layers as they are lifted and dropped within the updrafts of the storm.
Regarding the other statements:
- Both sleet and hail are forms of precipitation.
- Both contribute to the water cycle.
- Sleet can add to groundwater, but hail usually does not, as it tends to melt on the surface and can cause runoff. However, the distinction between the two primarily lies in their formation processes and the conditions under which they occur.