The weather that we observe, like the variations in temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation, is a consequence of the atmosphere’s response to differences in its temperature. In response to these differences, the air circulates and thermal energy is redistributed. The process can be understood in terms of energy conservation—there are many different kinds of energy, but energy can be transformed from one type to another so that the total amount of energy remains the same.

This Reading provides background information on the underlying concepts in the Activities included in the Project Earth Science: Meteorology, Revised 2nd Edition. The Reading goes beyond what is found in the background information in the activities. The Reading can be used as supplementary information for the teacher, or to enhance classroom discussions.