1. Convection A Process of the Water Cycle

2. What is CONVECTION? Convection is the process by which heat is transferred A warmed liquid or gas comes into contact with an unheated space Heat transfer from liquid to surrounding air

3. We see examples of this every day: Seeing your breath on a cold day: Your breath leaves the warmth of your body and touches the cool air Moisture in your breath quickly condenses as heat transfers to the air

4. Boiling Water: Water at the bottom is hottest, and warmer water is less dense As the cooler water sinks to the bottom, the warmer water rises As the warm water rises, heat transfers to the surrounding air, cooling the water down again and pulling it to the bottom This causes a cycle, and that’s why boiling water bubbles STEAM is the product of the warm water molecules touching the cooler air and condensing quickly

5. A steaming mug of cocoa The warm liquid reaches the cool air surrounding the cup The heat from the liquid transfers to the air Moisture in the cup condenses into steam

6. What does this mean for the water cycle? Convection happens between the steps of evaporation and condensation It looks like this: