The growth of ice crystals in the Bergeron-Findeisen process occurs because:
A)the relative humidity is higher in a cold cloud than in a warm cloud.
B)of the difference between saturation vapor pressure between ice and water.
C)liquid water is attracted to ice because of an electrical charge differential.
D)updrafts are extremely strong during the Bergeron-Findeisen process.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Bergeron-Findeisen process, ice crystals grow at the expense of liquid water droplets because of the difference in saturation vapor pressure between ice and water. The saturation vapor pressure (the amount of water vapor that the air can hold) is lower over ice than over water, therefore water molecules from liquid droplets tend to evaporate and deposit onto ice crystals. This process leads to the growth of ice crystals and the depletion of liquid water droplets in the cloud.

The Growth of Ice Crystals in the Bergeron-Findeisen Process Occurs