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Both air and water are fluids, meaning their molecules can move around with little resistance. Gravity dictates that fluids should rearrange themselves (i.e., flow) such that portions with the highest density are at the bottom, and those with lowest density are at the top. The movement of fluid as it tries to satisfy this arrangement is called convection.

Convection currents commonly occur when fluid at the bottom of a container (e.g., a saucepan, room, lake, etc.) is heated, which causes it to expand and become less dense than the fluid above it. This warm fluid, whether it is air or water, is pushed upward by the cooler fluid flowing under it.

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What is the relationship between convection currents in the ocean and convection currents in the atmosphere?

Which best explains the relationship between ocean currents and convection currents?(1 point) Responses Convection currents join with the Coriolis effect to create the winds that drive ocean currents. Convection currents join with the Coriolis effect to create the winds that drive ocean currents. Ocean currents rely on warm convection currents to strength the Coriolis effect. Ocean currents rely on warm convection currents to strength the Coriolis effect. Ocean currents create a Coriolis effect that increases convection currents. Ocean currents create a Coriolis effect that increases convection currents. Convection currents use the Coriolis effect to generate ocean currents.


The main cause of global convection currents is?

uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates temperature and density variations in the air and water. These variations drive the movement of air and water around the globe in convection currents.


In what two places do convection currents form when the Sun heats Earth?

Convection currents form in the atmosphere and oceans when the Sun heats the Earth. As the air and water near the Earth's surface warm up, they become less dense and rise, creating a circulation pattern where cooler air or water replaces them.


How are currents that form in heated air similar to currents that form in heated water?

Both air and water currents that form due to heating are driven by a combination of density differences and convection. As the air or water is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, causing a flow of cooler, denser fluid to move in to replace it. This sets up a continual circulation pattern as the fluid cools, sinks, gets reheated, and rises again.


Who discovered convection currents?

The idea of convection currents was discovered by Sir Benjamin Thompson in the late 18th century. He observed the movement of fluids like water and air due to differences in temperature, which led to the development of the concept of convection.

Related Questions

What is transfer of heat by currents of air or water?

convection


What is the transfer of heat by currents of air or water?

convection


Which diagram correctly indicates why convection currents form in water why water is heated?

which diagram correctly indicates why convection currents form in water when water is heated


What is the relationship between convection currents in the ocean and convection currents in the atmosphere?

Which best explains the relationship between ocean currents and convection currents?(1 point) Responses Convection currents join with the Coriolis effect to create the winds that drive ocean currents. Convection currents join with the Coriolis effect to create the winds that drive ocean currents. Ocean currents rely on warm convection currents to strength the Coriolis effect. Ocean currents rely on warm convection currents to strength the Coriolis effect. Ocean currents create a Coriolis effect that increases convection currents. Ocean currents create a Coriolis effect that increases convection currents. Convection currents use the Coriolis effect to generate ocean currents.


What is convection currents are involved in both?

Convection currents involve the movement of fluids (like air or water) due to differences in temperature and density. In the Earth's mantle, convection currents drive the movement of tectonic plates by causing magma to rise and fall in the mantle. In the atmosphere, convection currents play a role in the formation of weather patterns as warm air rises and cold air sinks.


What property of the air has the most influence on convection currents?

Temperature is the property of air that has the most influence on convection currents. Warm air is less dense than cold air, causing it to rise and create upward convection currents. Conversely, cold air is denser and sinks, leading to downward convection currents.


Convection currents may be produced most easily in the samples of?

Water and dry air


Where does water vapor go when it enters the air?

Water vapor triggers convection currents that can form clouds.


The main cause of global convection currents is?

uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates temperature and density variations in the air and water. These variations drive the movement of air and water around the globe in convection currents.


Use the word convection in a sentence?

the earth's convection currents cause continental drift.


How do surface currents transfer energy?

by convection


How are ocean currents and convection currents linked?

Ocean currents and convection currents are linked through the principles of heat transfer and fluid dynamics. Both systems involve the movement of fluid driven by temperature differences; in the ocean, warm water rises and cooler water sinks, creating currents. This process is similar to convection currents in the atmosphere, where warm air rises and cooler air descends. Together, these currents help distribute heat around the Earth, influencing climate and weather patterns.