Which phenomenon occurs when warm air rises and cool air sinks?

The phenomenon that occurs when warm air rises and cool air sinks is convection. Convection is a process of heat transfer that involves the movement of fluids, such as air or water, due to differences in temperature and density. When air is heated, it becomes less dense and rises. As it ascends, it cools and will eventually become denser than the surrounding air, leading it to sink. This cycle creates a continuous movement known as a convective current, which is fundamental in atmospheric processes, contributing to weather patterns and the distribution of heat in the environment.

The process of conduction refers to heat transfer through direct contact between substances, while radiation involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves without the need for a medium. Precipitation refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the ground, and is a result of various atmospheric conditions but not directly linked to the rising and sinking of air masses.