Accretion (meteorology)

In meteorology, "accretion" refers to the process by which atmospheric particles, such as water droplets or ice crystals, accumulate on surfaces, typically as part of the formation of precipitation. This process often occurs in clouds, where vapor molecules condense and coalesce to form larger droplets or ice particles. Accretion is especially relevant in the context of cloud microphysics, where it helps explain how raindrops and snowflakes grow in size.