Convection currents are a form of heat transfer that occurs in fluids (liquids or gases). When a fluid is heated, the particles become more energetic and move faster, causing them to collide with other particles and increase the spacing between them. As the spacing between particles increases, the fluid becomes less dense and rises. Cooler particles from higher up in the fluid sink down to take their place, creating a circular motion that transfers heat.

In the Earth’s atmosphere, convection currents play a major role in determining weather patterns and climate. As sunlight heats up the Earth’s surface, the air closest to the ground becomes hot and rises, while cooler air from higher in the atmosphere sinks down. This process creates large-scale, circular winds that can lead to weather patterns like hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

Similarly, in the ocean, convection currents are responsible for the movement of warm and cold water, which affects the distribution of nutrients and the transport of heat around the globe. These currents also help to regulate the Earth’s climate by transporting heat from the equator towards the poles, balancing out temperature differences and preventing extreme weather events.