Meteorologist: Heavy downpours are likely to become more frequent if Earth’s atmosphere becomes significantly warmer. A warm atmosphere heats the oceans, leading to faster evaporation, and the resulting water vapor forms rain clouds more quickly. A warmer atmosphere also holds more moisture, resulting in larger clouds. In general, as water vapor in larger clouds condenses, heavier downpours are more likely to result.

Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the meteorologist’s argument by the claim that, in general, as water vapor in larger clouds condenses, heavier downpours are more likely to result?