Why is air that is closer to the earth's surface warmer than the air high above it?

Answer 1

At first, it puzzled me too. I doesn't quite make sense, does it? The sun is obviously closer to the air higher above Earth's surface, right, so why is the air closer to the surface warmer? The thing is, the Earth soaks up the sun much better that the air. Fill a jar with dirt and another with air, heat them both up and see. The dirt in the first jar is much warmer than the air in the second jar. So, when the sun gives off heat, the Earth sucks it up and radiates the heat into the air above it. Thus, the air closest to the air closest to the surface of the Earth is warmest. If you do not understand this, my apologies. I am no expert or professional. It is only a theory, but it's the best one I've got. My mother couldn't explain it to me so I thought about it and reason and logic lead me to this result. If you want to hear more, contact me at:

spence2@me.com

Thank You.

Answer 2

Air closer to Earth's surface is warmed by the ground, which absorbs and retains heat from the sun. This warming process is known as conduction. In contrast, the air high above the surface has less contact with the warm ground and is primarily heated through radiation from the sun, making it cooler.

Answer 3

Air, like most all substances, expands as it increases in temperature. Warm air expands and becomes less dense than the cooler air around it. This causes the air to rise.