Convection Currents
Heat energy transfer between two parts of a fluid of different temperatures.
When hot fluids rise and cold fluids sink.
Occurs in
Liquids Gases
Mantle Oceans
Earth’s Mantle
Hot magma flow within the mantle.
Cause differences in density to move
Less dense hot magma moves upward.
More dense cooler magma moves downward.
Earth’s Oceans
Ocean currents flow within the oceans.
Temperature from the sun and salinity affects the density of water creating global currents.
Cold water sinks. Warm water rises.
Earth’s Atmosphere
Solar radiation heats the Earth’s surface. It is transferred by convection. Air touching the Earth’s surface becomes less dense and rises.
Air cools as it gets higher into the atmosphere. Cool air becomes more dense and sinks. Wind is created as the cool air moves in to replace the rising air.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of convection currents worksheet.
