Explain how energy in the form of sunlight absorbed at the ground could be transferred upward in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat. How or when is the latent heat energy released in the air above the ground?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER: Latent heat is an important source of atmospheric energy. Latent heat energy can be released into the atmosphere through the evaporation of vapor molecules from Earth's surface. Once vapor molecules become separated from Earth's surface, they are swept away by the wind much like dust in front of a broom. Rising to high altitudes where the air is cold, the vapor changes into liquid and ice cloud particles. During these processes, a tremendous amount of heat energy is released into the environment. The heat provides energy for storms, such as hurricanes, middle latitude cyclones, and thunderstorms.
Furthermore, water vapor evaporated from warm, tropical water can be carried into polar regions where it condenses and gives up its heat energy. Thus, evaporation–transportation–condensation is an extremely important mechanism for the relocation of heat energy (as well as water) in the atmosphere.?