How does the ice-crystal (Bergeron) process produce precipitation? What is the main premise describing this process?
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: The main premise is that the saturation vapor pressure just above a water surface is greater than the saturation vapor pressure above an ice surface. This difference in vapor pressure causes water vapor molecules to move (diffuse) from the droplet toward the ice crystal. The removal of vapor molecules reduces the vapor pressure above the droplet. Since the droplet is now out of equilibrium with its surroundings, it evaporates to replenish the diminished supply of water vapor above it. This process provides a continuous source of moisture for the ice crystal, which absorbs the water vapor and grows rapidly. Hence, during the ice-crystal (Bergeron) process, ice crystals grow larger at the expense of the surrounding water droplets.
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