Figure 2.1 Changes in temperature in the atmosphereConduction involves the transfer of heat through solid substances and results
from a difference in temperature between different parts of the substance.
Convection is the primary way energy is transferred from hotter to colder
regions in Earth’s atmosphere and is the primary determinant of weather
patterns. Convection involves the movement of the warmer and therefore more
energetic molecules in air. Convection takes place both vertically and
horizontally. When air near the ground becomes warmer and therefore less dense
than the air above it, the air rises. Pressure differences that develop because of
temperature differences result in wind or horizontal convection.
Regions nearer to the equator receive much more solar energy than regions