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atmospheric convection

Atmospheric convection is the process of heat transfer in the atmosphere through the movement of air. When the Earth's surface warms, the air close to it heats up and becomes less dense, causing it to rise. Cooler, denser air then sinks to replace the rising warm air, creating circulation patterns. This process drives many weather phenomena such as clouds, storms, and wind patterns. Convection helps distribute heat around the planet, maintaining a balance in the atmosphere, and is a fundamental mechanism behind weather systems and climate dynamics.