What Are Convection Currents?
1. Ocean Convection
Convection currents are evidenced by the movement of hot and cold water in the ocean. The water movement is as a result of heated water rising to the surface. Once it releases its heat energy into the environment, this now cooled water sinks resulting in repeated circulation.
Besides its influence on temperature, these currents also aid in the mixing up of the waters across great distances, allowing for a good distribution of soluble nutrients and heat. Cold waters from around the polar ice caps sink to deep ocean depths around the tropics and equator. When they warm up they become less dense, rising to the surface, and are drawn back toward the poles.
