Middle School

When energy from the sun hits the air above land, the air warms and rises. Along a coastline, cooler air above the ocean flows toward the land to replace this rising air.

Which of the following best describes these processes?

F. Conduction and convection
G. Radiation and convection
H. Conduction, convection, and radiation
I. Radiation and convection

Answer :

Answer:

RADIATION AND CONVECTION

Explanation:

The heating of the land and ocean by the sun's energy involves radiation and the ensuing circulation of air involves convection. Conduction heats the air above the sand, and evaporation and condensation contribute to the local wind patterns and cloud formation.

The processes described involve the transfer of energy from the sun to the Earth's surface and atmosphere, primarily through radiation and convection. Initially, the sun's energy reaches the Earth's surface through radiation, which is the transfer of energy in the form of rays or waves. As the sun's rays strike the land and the ocean, they heat these surfaces differently due to the varying specific heat and conductivity of sand and water. Option G

The warm sand heats the air above it mostly by conduction, which is the direct transfer of heat between substances that are in contact with one another. As the air above the land warms up, it becomes less dense and rises in a process known as convection. The cooler, denser air above the ocean moves in to replace the rising warm air, creating a sea breeze. This convection cycle is crucial in forming local wind patterns such as sea breezes during the day and land breezes at night.

Additional processes like evaporation and condensation also play roles in these cycles. Evaporation cools the air above the water as water molecules absorb energy and transition from liquid to gas. Later, when the warm moist air rises and cools down, the water vapor condenses into clouds, releasing heat in the process.