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Wordabulary
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convection current

Noun B1 – Intermediate

A circular flow that carries heat through a fluid, as warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks.

"Convection currents in the mantle are thought to help drive the slow movement of tectonic plates."

Convection can only happen in liquids and gases, since particles in a solid can't move freely enough to circulate.