Term: deposition
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01601

Definition:
Deposition is normally considered to be one of two types: dry deposition is the process by which aerosols and gases in the air are deposited on the surface of the earth (soil, water, rock, plants, etc.); this is termed 'dry' deposition even when the receptor surface is moist. Wet deposition is that process which involves the transport of chemicals to the surface of the earth by water droplets or snow crystals which scavenge pollutants as they form and fall through the atmosphere.

Related Terms:
1) receptor (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.RT06841).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2184 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'deposition' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01601

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