Thermal Convection Mechanics

Abstract

Assuming thermal convection takes place continuously inside the North Pacific High, an application of physics to the rising sea-warmed air plumes increases understanding of the relatively high air pressure at the sea surface and at the bases of the plumes. Since the ocean is warmer than the air under the NPH, heat is transferred upward decreasing the air density, which should then accelerate upward when no other forces are around to stop it. By Newton’s 3 rd law the upward accelerating air will cause an equal but opposite (downward) reaction resulting in high pressure in the air under the rising column. That is the central proposal offered, which is consistent with available observations. New data that confirm the upward acceleration of the heated air are especially needed. Perhaps dye or neutrally buoyant particles could be released from a ship or buoy to make the upward air motion visible.