Hailstones are formed by a process known as the "ice crystal process" or the "updraft process". Here is a brief overview of the process:
Formation of thunderstorms: Hailstones are formed during severe thunderstorms, which are characterized by strong updrafts of warm, moist air.
Formation of ice crystals: As the updrafts carry the warm, moist air higher into the atmosphere, the air cools and the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny ice crystals.
Growth of ice crystals: As the ice crystals are carried higher by the updrafts, they collide with other ice crystals and supercooled water droplets in the clouds, causing them to freeze onto the surface of the ice crystals.
Formation of hailstones: The ice crystals continue to grow as they are carried up and down by the updrafts and downdrafts within the thunderstorm. Eventually, they become too heavy for the updrafts to support and fall to the ground as hailstones.
The size of hailstones can vary widely, from small pea-sized stones to large grapefruit-sized stones. The size of the hailstones depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of the updrafts, the temperature and humidity of the air, and the duration of the thunderstorm.
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