Global Convection Currents

Global convection currents are one of the many forms of convection here on Earth, they are a form of small to high speed winds. These winds can be anything from a few knots to winds in the 80-100 knot range. These winds are caused by natural convection currents. These convection currents are caused by a difference in pressure and heat in the tropical and Antarctic/Arctic areas on the earth.

Additional recommended knowledge

Weighing the right way

Daily Sensitivity Test

Daily Visual Balance Check

Convection Currents

Main article: convection currents

Convection is the internal movement of currents within fluids (i.e. liquids and gases). It cannot occur in solids due to the particles not being able to flow freely. The most common cause of internal movement is a variation in density due to a transfer of heat. Other sources of density variations, such as variable composition (for example, salinity), or from the application of an external motive force are also often causes. Current movement may be invisibly slow, or it may be as fast as a tornado or twister. Convection occurs in atmospheres, oceans, and planetary mantles.

Travel

Although not as strong as the Westerlies and Easterlies over the Atlantic, these winds are great for travel coming from north to south or visa-versa. These winds can be traveled along increasing plane speed and hence decreasing the travel time.

Resources

Prentice Hall>>Science Explorers: Earth Science [1] º

º must have registration or password and username.