condensation (earth science)

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Conversion of a vapour to a liquid. This is frequently achieved by letting the vapour come into contact with a cold surface. It is the process by which water vapour turns into fine water droplets to form a cloud.

Condensation in the atmosphere occurs when the air becomes completely saturated and is unable to hold any more water vapour. As air rises it cools and contracts – the cooler it becomes the less water it can hold. Rain is frequently associated with warm weather fronts because the air rises and cools, allowing the water vapour to condense as rain. The temperature at which the air becomes saturated is known as the dew point. Water vapour will not condense in air if there are not enough condensation nuclei (particles of dust, smoke, or salt) for the droplets to form on. It is then said to be supersaturated. Condensation is an important part of the water cycle.

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