What is the "wet deposition" process in the context of air pollution?

Wet deposition refers specifically to the process by which airborne pollutants are removed from the atmosphere through precipitation, such as rain or snow. During this process, pollutants that are suspended in the air, including gases and particulate matter, are captured by falling droplets or ice crystals. When precipitation occurs, it can collect these pollutants and bring them to the ground, effectively cleaning the air and depositing these contaminants into soil and water bodies.

This method of pollutant removal is an important part of the natural cycle of air quality management, as it helps to mitigate the concentration of harmful substances in the atmosphere. Understanding wet deposition is crucial for assessing environmental health, as it can significantly influence the quality of air, soil, and water bodies in a given area.

Other options describe different processes and do not accurately capture the essence of wet deposition. Settling of particulates without precipitation pertains to dry deposition, while the absorption of pollutants by vegetation refers more to bioaccumulation. The transformation of gases into liquid describes a phase change that is not specific to the wet deposition process.