The Structure of Water Substance

Abstract

In the previous chapter we described the observed variety of shapes, sizes, and concentrations of the solid and liquid particles which comprise clouds and precipitation. The remaining chapters will be devoted to exploring how such particles come into being and how they grow. Understanding these processes depends, to a large extent, on knowledge of the physical properties of water vapor, water, ice, and, ultimately, on the physical characteristics of the water molecule itself. Therefore, as a prelude to what will follow, this chapter will describe briefly some of the relevant structural features of individual water molecules and their various combinations in water vapor, bulk water, and ice.