When studying a monster storm, scientists like Anthony Guillory measure temperature data from the air and from the water bodies that their planes and UAVs fly over. This information is important because it helps scientists predict how strong the winds might become.
Convection is a process that helps distribute heat energy from Earth’s surface into the atmosphere. Under the right conditions, this process fuels monster storms. Convection also occurs beneath Earth’s surface in the mantle, where currents of slowly flowing molten rock help move the massive tectonic plates that make up Earth’s outer layer. Convection in the oceans also helps mix water layers and distributes heat. In this lab, you will observe this process on a very small scale using just soap and water!