Heat flux is the process through which heat energy is transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere by conduction and convection.
1. Conduction: In heat flux, conduction refers to the transfer of heat through a material without any movement of the material itself. For example, when the sun heats up the ground, the heat is conducted from the ground into the air in contact with it.
2. Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids or gases. In the context of heat flux, convection occurs when the heated air near the Earth's surface rises and is replaced by cooler air, creating a cycle of heat transfer. This process helps in transferring heat energy from the surface to the atmosphere.
By understanding conduction and convection, we can see how heat flux plays a crucial role in regulating temperature and energy exchange between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
