sublimation

(noun)

the transition of a substance from the solid phase directly to the vapor state such that it does not pass through the intermediate liquid phase

Related Terms

Examples of sublimation in the following topics:

  • The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle

    • This leads to the evaporation (water to water vapor) of liquid surface water and the sublimation (ice to water vapor) of frozen water, which deposits large amounts of water vapor into the atmosphere.
    • Water from the land and oceans enters the atmosphere by evaporation or sublimation, where it condenses into clouds and falls as rain or snow.