Final answer:
The main processes that transfer energy from the Earth's surface to the troposphere are radiation and convection, facilitated by the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation, while convection currents redistribute energy throughout the atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy Transfer in the Troposphere
The processes that transfer energy from near the Earth's surface to high in the troposphere include convection, radiation, and, to a lesser extent, conduction. The greenhouse effect plays a significant role in warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. Solar energy absorbed by the Earth is re-emitted as infrared radiation. Some of this infrared radiation is trapped by greenhouse gases like water vapor, methane, and CO₂, effectively warming the atmosphere. As a result, energy is distributed throughout the troposphere, contributing to weather patterns and climate.
In detail, the Earth receives energy from the Sun, which is partly reflected back into space and partly absorbed. The absorbed energy is then radiated back as infrared radiation with a much longer wavelength, due to Earth's lower temperature compared to the Sun. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit the infrared radiation in all directions, including back towards the Earth's surface, warming it more than it would be by direct solar radiation alone.
In addition to radiation, convection is another key process transferring energy. Warmer air near the Earth's surface rises, and cooler air descends, creating convection currents that transfer energy vertically within the atmosphere.