The Bergeron process causes cloud droplets to grow because: A) water freezes instantly when its temperature reaches 0°C. B) freezing nuclei are much more common in the atmosphere than other condensation nuclei. C) the saturation vapor pressure is lower near ice crystals than it is near supercooled droplets. D) larger drops fall and collect smaller droplets in the cloud.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Bergeron process, water vapor molecules diffuse onto and condense onto ice crystals in supercooled clouds. The saturation vapor pressure (the maximum amount of water vapor that can exist in equilibrium with a surface of pure water) is lower near ice crystals than it is near supercooled droplets, causing the water vapor to preferentially condense onto the ice crystals instead of the droplets. This leads to the growth of the ice crystals at the expense of the supercooled droplets.

The Bergeron Process causes Cloud Droplets to Grow Because