Energy Transformation
Now that you’ve seen how energy is transferred, let’s look at some of the forms of energy that are present in Earth’s spheres. When energy is transferred from one form to another, the total amount of energy remains the same, so we say that energy is “conserved”.
Internal Energy
The random motion of molecules within an air parcel. After heat is transferred, it is stored as “internal energy” which is the total energy stored in the molecules.
Source: Clouds Over Hills | Wikipedia
Gravitational Potential Energy
Potential energy, represents the potential to do work. In meteorology, it’s typically called gravitational potential energy and refers to the position of an air parcel above sea level.
Latent Energy
The energy absorbed/released from a substance during phase change. In the atmosphere, water vapor condenses and forms clouds/precipitation. Latent energy is also created when the water evaporates from the Earth’s surface.
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion, the movement of an entire substance, such as wind. Temperature is a measure of the kinetic energy of the various gas molecules in air and is measured by a thermometer.