| Insolation | Solar radiation (energy) received by the Earth |
| Electromagnetic Radiation | Energy in the form of waves in various wavelengths traveling at the speed of light (e.g. Shortwave from Sun to Earth; Longwave from Earth To the Atmosphere) |
| Conduction | The transfer of heat energy from molecule-to-molecule within substances or between touching substances |
| Convection | The vertical transfer of heat energy by the circulating movement of a liquid or gas (warm rises, cool sinks) |
| Advection | The horizontal transfer of heat energy as air masses move in response to pressure differences (winds) |
| Latent Heat | The addition or removal of heat energy from the atmosphere by water changing states between ice, liquid, and gas (Evaporation, Condensation, Melting, Freezing) |
| Inversion | A temperature inversion is the reversal of the pattern of decreasing temperature with increasing altitude. This zone of warming air can stop the upward flow of air and trap pollutants. |