convective currents
Warm fluid movement
Convective currents are circular patterns of fluid movement driven by temperature differences.
Warmer fluid rises because it's less dense, while cooler fluid sinks, creating continuous circulation.
The term applies to movement in liquids, gases, and even semi-solid material like Earth's mantle: Convective currents in the atmosphere drive weather patterns.
Also called convection currents.
- chimney effectHeat-driven vertical airflow
- riseMove to higher position
- updraftUpward air movement
- heatTransferred thermal energy
- downdraftsDescending air currents
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convective currentsconduction
Heat transfer through contact
radiation · thermal conduction · electromagnetic radiation · infrared radiation · radiant heat
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