Deposition refers to what kind of phase change?

Deposition is a phase change that occurs when a gas transforms directly into a solid without first becoming a liquid. This process is the reverse of sublimation, where a solid converts directly into a gas. A common example of deposition can be observed when water vapor in the air turns directly into ice or frost on a surface, such as when moisture freezes on cold windows during winter.

Understanding deposition is crucial in meteorology and aviation weather because it influences cloud formation, frost development, and various weather phenomena. Recognizing the different phase changes, including deposition, allows for better predictions of weather patterns and conditions that can affect aviation safety and operations.