What does deposition refer to in meteorological terms?

Deposition in meteorological terms refers to the process whereby water vapor changes directly into a solid without first becoming a liquid. This typically happens under conditions of low temperature and high humidity, resulting in the formation of frost or ice. For instance, in a scenario where the temperature dips below freezing, water vapor in the air may deposit onto cold surfaces, forming ice crystals instead of condensing into liquid water first. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding weather patterns, especially in winter climates, as well as in explaining the formation of phenomena such as hoarfrost and snowflakes. It highlights the transitions between different states of matter within the atmosphere, particularly the solid state directly from vapor, emphasizing the role of temperature and atmospheric conditions in these processes.