Weather and Climate

Warm air near the ground rises and causes upward air movement

Air closer to the ground is warmer than air further away from the ground

Light from the sun transfers energy to the ground

The ground transfers energy to the air

Warmer air is less dense, the molecules are more spread out, and the warm air rises

Cool air is more dense than warm air, the molecules are closer together, and the cooler air sinks

Sunny days warm up the ground more than cloudy days

Warm air in balloons and bottles rises

Sidewalks in the sun are warmer than sidewalks in the shade

The sun’s radiant energy transfers energy to the ground, which in turn warms up the air above it

Air stops rising when it becomes the same density as the air above it. Cooler air falls

Warmer air transfers energy to cooler air

Cooler air is more dense, more closely packed than warmer air