What happens when warm air rises?

When warm air rises, it creates a situation where cooler air is drawn in to replace it, leading to the formation of wind. This process is grounded in basic principles of physics and fluid dynamics. Warm air is less dense than cooler air, which allows it to rise. As it ascends, the downward movement of cooler air to take its place sets up an air circulation pattern.

This behavior is observed in atmospheric phenomena such as convection currents, where warm air at the surface rises, cools as it ascends, and ultimately contributes to various weather patterns. The movement of air in this way is fundamental in the development of wind, which is the horizontal movement of air caused by differences in air pressure that arise from temperature differences. Thus, the correct answer illustrates a key interaction between temperature, air density, and wind creation in the atmosphere.