Question

identifying steps for heating the troposphere
use the dropdown menus to complete the paragraph about how the troposphere is heated.
electromagnetic waves heat earth’s surface through △. earth’s surface warms the air directly above it through △. the warm air then rises, which transfers thermal energy through △. this air then cools and sinks, which forms a convection △.
current
radiation
x wave
conduction

Explanation:

• Radiation: Electromagnetic waves transfer energy in the form of radiation. This is how the Sun's energy (in the form of electromagnetic waves) reaches and heats Earth's surface.
• Conduction: When two substances are in direct contact (like Earth's surface and the air molecules right above it), heat transfer occurs through conduction. The vibrating molecules of the warm surface collide with the air molecules, transferring some of their energy.
• Convection: As the air is heated (by conduction from the surface), it becomes less dense and rises. Cooler, denser air moves in to take its place. This circular motion of air (warm air rising, cool air sinking) is convection, which transfers thermal energy.
• Current: The pattern of warm air rising, cooling, sinking, and then being heated again forms a convection current.

Answer:

1. radiation
2. conduction
3. convection
4. current