When water changes directly from gas to solid without occurring as a liquid, which process is taking place?

The process occurring when water changes directly from a gas to a solid without transitioning through the liquid phase is known as deposition. During deposition, water vapor in the air condenses directly into ice, as seen in the formation of frost on cold surfaces. This process is essential in various meteorological phenomena and contributes to the formation of snowflakes and other similar ice structures.

Understanding the significance of deposition is crucial for grasping atmospheric processes. For instance, in a weather context, deposition occurs when temperatures drop and the moisture in the air transitions directly into solid forms, impacting weather patterns and the environment. The other processes listed involve different phases: condensation refers to the gas turning into liquid, evaporation describes liquid turning into gas, and sublimation is the transition from solid to gas. Each process highlights the versatility and complexity of water in its various states within the atmosphere.