Energy Transfers
3 marks · NormalExplain how convection causes a breeze to blow from the sea towards the land during a sunny day at the beach. Include reference to temperature differences and movement of air.
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Must show: Sea air cooler than land air, Warm air over land rises, cool air from sea replaces it, Convection current
Common mistakes: Confusing causes for movement of air; Forgetting role of temperature difference
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions that land heats up faster than sea (or air above land is warmer).
M1 · 1 mark · Explains that warm air above land rises, creating a space (low pressure).
M1 · 1 mark · Cool air from the sea moves in to replace the rising air, forming a breeze (convection current).
Worked solution
On a sunny day, the land heats up faster than the sea. The air above the land becomes warmer than air above the water. Warm air over the land rises because it is less dense. Cooler air from above the sea moves in to replace it, creating a breeze that blows from the sea towards the land. This movement is called a convection current.