How do molecules in direct contact with Earth's solid, warm surface absorb heat energy?

Heat radiates from the ground into the lower atmosphere. In conduction, heat moves from areas of more heat to areas of less heat by direct contact. Warmer molecules vibrate rapidly and collide with other nearby molecules, transferring their energy.

Elias is almost correct. he just got it backwards.the correct answer is that it demonstrates elastic potential energy transforming into kinetic energy.