Which weather phenomenon is characterized by rapid vertical movement of air?

The correct choice is associated with the phenomenon of convection, which refers to the process where warm air rises and cool air moves in to take its place, leading to a vertical movement of air. This upward movement of warm, less dense air creates a cycle that can result in the formation of clouds and storms when sufficient moisture is present in the atmosphere. Convection is particularly important in meteorology, as it plays a significant role in weather patterns and the development of various types of weather systems.

The other options do not encapsulate the concept of rapid vertical air movement in the same way. Advection pertains to the horizontal transfer of heat or moisture in the atmosphere. Subduction refers to the geological process where one tectonic plate moves under another, influencing seismic activity rather than atmospheric processes. Dispersion deals with the spreading of particles or substances in a medium, which does not specifically relate to the vertical movement of air mass. Thus, convection stands out as the phenomenon that directly describes the upward and downward air motions critical to weather development.