Convection is the transfer of heat by the circulation of currents from one region to another in a fluid (liquid or gas). Hot fluids expand and become less dense, rising and transferring heat to cooler regions where denser fluids descend in convection currents. Examples include heated water in a pot forming convection currents and atmospheric convection driving weather patterns with warm air rising and cool air falling. Convection can be natural, driven by density differences, or forced with an external mechanism like a pump circulating the fluid. Convection currents efficiently transport thermal energy in applications like kettles, heaters, air conditioners and refrigerators.