Convection on Earth

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What happens to air when it is heated?

Back

When air is heated, it becomes less dense and rises.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What happens to air when it cools?

Back

When air cools, it becomes more dense and sinks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and density in air?

Back

Cold air is more dense than warm air, which causes cold air to sink and warm air to rise.

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are caused by temperature differences in water, wind, and the rotation of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is a polar current?

Back

A polar current is an ocean current that originates in polar regions and typically carries cold water toward the tropics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is a tropical current?

Back

A tropical current is an ocean current that originates in tropical regions and typically carries warm water toward the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does the Earth's rotation affect ocean currents?

Back

The Earth's rotation causes the Coriolis effect, which influences the direction of ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, due to the rotation of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is a convection cell?

Back

A convection cell is a circular pattern of movement in a fluid where warm fluid rises and cool fluid sinks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6