Final answer:
The water vapor saturation point influences atmospheric convection currents as it drives the phase change of water, leading to the release of latent heat and creation of convection currents that are crucial for weather patterns and storm formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The property of air that influences atmospheric convection currents is water vapor saturation point. During the phase change when water evaporates from the oceans, heat is absorbed which cools the ocean's surface. Conversely, when the water vapor condenses into liquid droplets to form clouds, heat is released into the atmosphere. This released heat causes air to expand and rise, creating convection currents. Higher temperatures allow air to hold more water vapor, and when this vapor condenses, it releases latent heat.
This phenomenon is a significant driver of weather patterns and storms, such as the formation of thunderheads and hurricanes. Such processes can exhibit positive feedback, where the process reinforces itself, potentially leading to more intense weather events.
An inversion layer can suppress convection by acting as a cap, but if this cap is broken, it can lead to violent thunderstorms due to the sudden release of moisture and energy.