Final answer:
Heat is added to air primarily through solar radiation and the phase changes involved in the water cycle, affecting various weather phenomena and contributing to Earth's energy balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heat can be transferred to the air in several ways, including solar radiation and the process of evaporation and condensation. One central concept in this discussion is the Earth's role as a heat engine that operates between a hot reservoir supplied by the Sun and the cooler surroundings of space.
During the water cycle, which is partially driven by solar energy, heat causes water to evaporate from oceans, lakes, and land. As water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, it condenses to form clouds, and this condensation releases heat into the atmosphere. This transfer of heat is fundamental to various weather patterns and is a key factor in driving phenomena such as thunderheads, storms, and hurricanes. Convection currents further contribute to these weather patterns, creating a positive feedback loop where warmer air rises and promotes more condensation of water vapor at higher, colder altitudes.