Convection Currents

Convection currents are a natural phenomenon that

occurs in fluids (liquids and gases) when there is a
temperature gradient within the fluid. They involve the
transfer of heat energy through the movement of the
fluid itself. Convection is one of the three main methods
of heat transfer, along with conduction and radiation.
Here’s how convection currents work:
Temperature Difference: Convection currents begin
when there is a temperature difference within a fluid.
Typically, one part of the fluid is heated more than
another part.
Expansion and Density Change: When a fluid is
heated, it becomes less dense and expands.
Conversely, when it is cooled, it becomes denser and
contracts. This change in density causes the heated
fluid to rise and the cooler fluid to sink.
Circulation: As the heated fluid rises and the cooler
fluid sinks, a continuous circulation or flow pattern is
established. This movement of the fluid is what we refer
to as convection currents. It forms a loop or cycle, with
the heated fluid moving upward, cooling down, and then
sinking again to be heated once more.