American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice

The term that describes the transfer of thermal energy through circulation or movement of a liquid or gas is convection. This process occurs when warmer areas of a liquid or gas rise, leading to cooler areas sinking, creating a cycle that efficiently transfers heat. For example, in the atmosphere, warm air rises since it is less dense, and as it rises, it cools and becomes denser, eventually sinking back down. This movement helps to distribute heat throughout the fluid, whether it's air or water. This phenomenon is fundamental in meteorology, as it affects weather patterns and systems.

Conduction involves the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, which is different from the bulk movement of fluids. Radiation, on the other hand, refers to the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves without the need for a medium. Expansion does not specifically pertain to energy transfer but is more associated with the increase in volume due to heat. Understanding convection is crucial in grasping broader meteorological concepts such as atmospheric circulation and climate dynamics.