Convection currents primarily occur in the Earth’s mantle, which lies between the crust and the outer core. These currents are driven by heat from the Earth’s core, causing the mantle’s material to be heated, become less dense, and rise toward the surface. As the material rises, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks back down, creating a continuous cycle.
This movement is crucial because it plays a significant role in the process of plate tectonics. The convection currents in the mantle help to move tectonic plates, which can lead to events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, convection currents occur in the outer core, contributing to Earth’s magnetic field as molten iron flows and generates electromagnetic forces.