Tabletop Convection

Convection on a Small Scale
This image shows the pattern of convection cells in the NOAA exhibit. The fluid is silicone oil with a density similar to water. Pearl essence, a shimmery powder, is mixed in to the oil so you can see the movement of the fluid and the patterns formed by convection. To get an up-close view of this exhibit and many others, come visit the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder!
Click the links below to...

...learn about the inspiration for this exhibit: beautiful laboratory results of convection cells.
...discover how to make your own convection in the classroom.