In isolation water vapour warms the atmosphere and surface because it is a greenhouse gas.
But what about all the other properties?
The water cycle transports and releases a lot of energy higher into the atmosphere where it is closer to escape. The clouds themselves may absorb or reflect sunlight depending on their type and location.
The atmosphere is turbulent because moist air rises. This tends to push energy towards the poles, reducing the temperature gradients and placing the energy where it can escape more easily.
Oceans and their currents also redistribute large amounts of energy.
I see H2O as both a heater and an air conditioner, working at the same time, with one side winning out over the other depending on the local conditions.
But what about all the other properties?
The water cycle transports and releases a lot of energy higher into the atmosphere where it is closer to escape. The clouds themselves may absorb or reflect sunlight depending on their type and location.
The atmosphere is turbulent because moist air rises. This tends to push energy towards the poles, reducing the temperature gradients and placing the energy where it can escape more easily.
Oceans and their currents also redistribute large amounts of energy.
I see H2O as both a heater and an air conditioner, working at the same time, with one side winning out over the other depending on the local conditions.