Uneven heating of the earth contributes to the strength and triggering of individual thermals.
Factors:
Factors:
- The angle of incidence of the sun's rays.
- The moisture content of the ground. More heat needed to evaporate the moisture before the air can be heated.
- The type of soil. Those that drain faster may produce thermals more quickly. Others may be better heat conductors due to there composition.]
- The nature of the vegetation. - transpiration of crops; - reflection of light etc.
- Some terrain produces thermals early in the day while other terrain is a better source of late thermal.
- Re-cycling of thermals. A particular terrain or even conditions in general may appear to dissipate or strengthen in a cyclic fashion in the course of a day.