True or False: Natural convection air currents enhance mechanical turbulence when surface temperature exceeds air temperature.

Natural convection air currents play a significant role in atmospheric turbulence, especially when the temperature of a surface exceeds the temperature of the air above it. This phenomenon occurs due to the process of buoyancy, where warmer air, being less dense, rises while cooler air descends. When a surface, such as warmed ground or a heated building, radiates heat, the adjacent air becomes heated and starts rising.

As the warmer air ascends, it disrupts the neighboring air layers, contributing to mechanical turbulence. This interaction enhances turbulence because the rising warm air creates a dynamic, shifting flow that mixes with the cooler, descending air. This mixing action intensifies the turbulence, which is vital for various atmospheric processes, including the dispersion of pollutants and other airborne materials.

In summary, the statement is true because when the surface temperature is higher than the air temperature, the resulting natural convection currents lead to an increase in mechanical turbulence.