I processes that transfer energy over Earth's surface are: 1) Conduction 2) Convection 3) Radiation 4) Latent Heat
Conduction is the transfer of heat from a warmer object to a cooler object through molecular interaction. As the Sun heats the ground, energy from the heated ground is transferred to the atmosphere by conduction.
Convection is the transfer of heat by mass movement of a fluid. Convection appears mostly in liquid and gases because they are free to move around. Heat is transferred upward and outward, away from the heat source, while cooler air is brought to replace the rising air.
Radiation is the final process of heat transfer. The energy received from the Sun, radiation, are absorbed by all objects that in turn radiates some of the energy back to its surroundings in a weaker form of energy called long wave radiation such as heat.
Later heat, also known as phase change, is the heat required to change phases. Example of phase change is water transforms from gas to liquid or solid or vice versa. For water to transform from liquid to gas, latent heat from the surrounding atmosphere is needed. In evaporation, water takes heat from the surrounding air in order to evaporated and become gas.
