Convection6.4.8: Explain how convection affects

weather patterns and climate.

Essential QuestionHow does convection affect weather patterns

and climate?

Convection In the atmosphere, the air is heated by land &

water (which absorbed solar energy and changed this to heat).

The warm air rises, cools in the upper troposphere and sinks back to Earth to be warmed again. This makes a current.

How is a lava lamp an example of convection?

The bulb in a lava lamp heats up wax (this is like land &

water giving off heat). The warm wax rises, then cools as it moves away from the

heat. Then it sinks where it’s warmed again.

Convection AreasThere are three convection areas in the northern hemisphere:Tropical: Begins at the equator and extends to

30 degrees north latitude.Temperate: Extends from 30 degrees to 60

degrees north latitude. We live here!Polar: Extends from 60 degrees to the North

Pole.

Convection areas

Polar

Temperate

Tropical

Convection Currents

Convection happens on a global scale in the atmosphere and causes global winds (6.4.9). These winds then move weather systems and surface ocean currents in particular directions.

Land and Sea BreezesOn a smaller scale, convection currents near

bodies of water can cause local winds known as land and sea breezes.

Ocean Surface CurrentsThe surface currents of Earth’s oceans that

circulate warm and cold ocean waters in convection patterns also influence the weather and climates of the landmasses nearby.

How do ocean currents work?

What are the types of ocean currents?

Gulf Stream CurrentThis warms SC & even Great Britain.This is like sitting near a hot tub when it’s

snowing. You can get warm by just being near the warm water.

California CurrentThis cools the west coast.This is like sitting near the lake

when it’s hot. You can get cool by just being near the cool water.

Climate ZonesBecause of the unequal heating of Earth,

climate zones (tropical, temperate, and polar) occur. Since temperature is a major factor in climate zones, climate is related

To the convection regions at various latitudes;

To temperature differences between the equator and the poles;

To warm and cold surface ocean currents.