Question

Earth has hot, dry regions and cool, wet regions. How does convection contribute to the distribution of heat and moisture across Earth?

A.
Convection causes air masses carrying water and energy as heat to rise and fall, all over Earth

B.
Convection causes the water vapor in the atmosphere to absorb the energy from cooler air masses all over Earth.

C.
Convection allows the transfer of energy directly from the sun to Earth's surface.

D.
Convection distributes energy as heat throughout Earth's solid crust, warming the entire planet.

Answer 1

A.

Convection in the atmosphere (and oceans) moves warm, moisture‑laden air upward and colder, drier air downward. Where air rises (e.g., the ITCZ/Hadley cell) it cools and condenses, producing clouds and precipitation; where air sinks it warms and dries, producing arid regions (e.g., subtropical deserts).