How is weather driven by the sun?

• A. Energy from the sun causes air to move and water to change states
• B. Solar energy heats the ground but not the air
• C. Weather is driven by the moon's gravity
• D. Human activities are the sole driver

Answer: (B)

Weather is driven by energy from the sun. When sunlight warms the Earth's surface, the air in contact with that surface heats up and begins to rise, creating convection and winds that move heat around the planet. The sun also powers evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, and soil; the resulting water vapor rises and cools, condenses into clouds, and can produce rain or snow. In short, solar energy causes air movement and changes of state in water, which together shape weather. The idea that only the ground is heated, or that the moon’s gravity or human activity alone drives weather, doesn’t fit how the atmosphere and water cycle actually respond to solar energy.