Figure GT.12

Solar energy in the atmosphere. Differences in solar heating across Earth’s surface set the atmosphere in motion, and evaporation of water by the Sun moves water vapor into the atmosphere. In this way, the Sun’s radiant energy is transformed into the deadly kinetic energy of thunderstorms (such as this one in east-central Oklahoma) and tornadoes (such as this one is in Manchester, South Dakota).

(Top, David McGlynn/ Getty Images; left, Robert Harding; right, Gene Rhoden/ Weatherpix/GettyImages)