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convection current |
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convection currentCurrent caused by the expansion of a liquid, solid, or gas as its temperature rises. The expanded material, being less dense, rises, while colder, denser material sinks. Material of neutral buoyancy moves laterally. Convection currents arise in the atmosphere above warm land masses or seas, giving rise to sea breezes and land breezes, respectively. In some heating systems, convection currents are used to carry hot water upwards in pipes. Convection currents in the hot, solid rock of the Earth's mantle help to drive the movement of the rigid plates making up the Earth's surface (see plate tectonics). |
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| This primary structure carries purlins and rafters in the normal way, with the rafters strutted at the same angle as the struts on the tied portals, creating in effect an inverted ridge that acts as a continuous lantern because, above it, the real ridge is defined by a motorized greenhouse glazing system that can be thrown open on hot days to encourage cooling convection currents. Researchers who study the chemistry of lavas, however, argue that the mantle resembles a double boiler, with separate upper and lower layers that each have their own systems of convection currents. But on top of this essentially humdrum parti are swooping glass roofs that can both capture solar energy and use it to generate convection currents to ventilate the spaces. |
convection current
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