advection

Advection is the process by which a substance or property, such as heat, moisture, or pollution, is transported by the movement of a fluid like air or water. Imagine a current in a river carrying leaves downstream; similarly, in the atmosphere or ocean, wind or water currents move particles or energy from one place to another. It differs from other processes like diffusion, which spreads substances randomly, because advection involves the bulk movement of the fluid itself, efficiently transferring properties over distances. This process plays a key role in weather patterns, ocean currents, and the distribution of pollutants.