Water vapor

Water vapor is water in its gaseous state, formed when liquid water evaporates or ice sublimates. It is invisible as a gas; visible clouds and mist consist of liquid droplets or ice crystals.

Evaporation: The transition of a liquid into gas from its surface. Liquid water releases molecules into the air as vapor through this process.
Atmospheric humidity: The amount of water vapor present in air, expressed through measures such as relative humidity. Humidity quantifies how much vapor the atmosphere contains.
Liquid water: Water in the liquid state, with a definite volume but no fixed shape. Unlike vapor, liquid water forms droplets and occupies a definite volume.
Latent heat flux: The transfer of energy associated with evaporation and condensation of water. Evaporation stores energy in vapor, and condensation releases it elsewhere.
Sublimation: The direct transition of a solid into gas without passing through a liquid state. Ice and snow can add water vapor to air without first melting.
Water cycle: The continuous movement of water among the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living organisms. Vapor carries water through the atmosphere between evaporation and precipitation.
Water droplets: Small quantities of liquid water suspended in or falling through a gas. Visible mist and many clouds are droplets, not water vapor.
Cloud feedback: The influence of climate-driven cloud changes on planetary warming or cooling. Changes in vapor supply can alter cloud formation and its climate effects.
Condensation: The transition of a gas into a liquid. Cooling or moistening air can turn vapor into liquid droplets.
Atmospheric convection: Vertical air movement driven by differences in density, often caused by heating. Rising moist air transports vapor and releases heat as it condenses.

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