What is deposition in the context of meteorology?

In meteorology, deposition refers to the process where water vapor, a gas, changes directly into solid ice without first becoming liquid. This phenomenon typically occurs in conditions where temperatures are sufficiently low, leading to the formation of frost or snow directly from vapor in the air.

Understanding deposition is key in meteorology as it plays a significant role in weather patterns and the formation of various types of precipitation. For example, during certain atmospheric conditions, the moisture in the air can deposit onto surfaces as frost when the temperature drops to below freezing, significantly affecting ground conditions and weather forecasts.

The other options relate to different processes in the water cycle but do not accurately describe deposition. Evaporation refers to the transformation of liquid water into vapor. The transition of gas to liquid is known as condensation. The formation of dew, which involves moisture condensing out of the air onto surfaces, is also a different process and not deposition.