Which thermal phenomenon significantly alters air density above asphalt surfaces on hot days?

💡 Explanation

When solar radiation heats asphalt surfaces, radiative heating causes the air directly above to warm rapidly because asphalt has low albedo. This creates a strong lapse rate with warmer air close to the surface, reducing air density and creating visual distortion. Intense heating leads to radiative heating creating a density change rather than the effects of wind, stabilisation or humidity.

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