What is a convection current simple definition?

Definition of convection current 1a : a stream of fluid propelled by thermal convection. b : thermally produced vertical air flow. 2 : a surface charge of electricity on a moving body — compare convection sense 3c.

What is convection current and how does it work?

Convection currents form because a heated fluid expands, becoming less dense. The less-dense heated fluid rises away from the heat source. As it rises, it pulls cooler fluid down to replace it. This cycle establishes a circular current that stops only when heat is evenly distributed throughout the fluid.

What creates a convection current?

Convection currents are the result of differential heating. Lighter (less dense), warm material rises while heavier (more dense) cool material sinks. It is this movement that creates circulation patterns known as convection currents in the atmosphere, in water, and in the mantle of Earth.

What is convection Class 11?

Convection is the process of heat transfer from hot body to cold body by the bulk movement of the molecules within fluids such as gases and liquids. Convection is the process of heat transfer in fluids by the actual motion of molecules in the fluids. It happens in liquids as well as gases. It may be natural or forced.

Why is convection current important on earth?

Convection currents play a role in the circulation of fluids. Convection currents are the result of differential heating. Inside Earth, the convection of mantle material is thought to cause the movement of the overriding crustal plates, resulting in events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

What is convection in geography?

Convection is the circular motion that happens when warmer air or liquid — which has faster moving molecules, making it less dense — rises, while the cooler air or liquid drops down. Convection currents within the earth move layers of magma, and convection in the ocean creates currents.

What starts a convection current in the earth’s mantle?

Convection Currents in the Mantle Heat in the mantle comes from the Earth’s molten outer core, decay of radioactive elements and, in the upper mantle, friction from descending tectonic plates. The temperature difference between the upper and lower boundaries of the mantle requires heat transfer to occur.

Which is an example of convection current?

Convection currents are present in the air– A good example of convection current is the warm air that rises towards the ceiling in your house. The process happens as the warm air is said to be less dense than that of the colder air. Another good example of convection current is wind.

What are convection currents and how do they happen?

The convection currents tend to move a fluid or gas particles from one place to another . These are created as a result of the differences occurring within the densities and temperature of a specific gas or a fluid. Convection is one among the forms of heat transfers, of which the other two are radiation and conduction.

What are 5 facts about convection currents?

1) Vertical circulation within a fluid that results from density differences caused by temperature variations. 2) In meteorology, the process in which air, having been warmed close to the ground, rises. 3) Within the Earth, the radiogenic heat release results in convective motions causing tectonic plate movements.

What is convection current and what causes them?

Convection currents are caused by an uneven temperature within something. Convection currents happen within the Earth’s magma, water and air. It can happen in anything that is not solid and has parts that are cooler or warmer than other parts. When something is cool, it sinks, and when it is hot, it rises.

What are convection currents responsible for?

As the air cools, its capacity to hold water decreases, so the vapor forms clouds. In the ocean, convection heating is responsible for the ocean currents, which also affect the weather patterns.Convection currents occur in the magma of the Earth. These currents drive plate tectonics.