Earth's atmosphere is a dynamic sea of gases in constant motion and Earth's oceans contain currents that move water across the globe. Advection is a lateral or horizontal transfer of mass, heat, or other property. Accordingly, winds that blow across Earth's surface represent advectional movements of air. Advection also takes place in the ocean in the form of currents. Currently, geologists debate the presence and role of substantial advective processes in Earth's mantle.

Differential pressures and temperatures drive the mass movement of air seeking equilibrium (the lowest energy state). Advective winds move from areas of higher temperature toward areas of lower temperature. In contrast, convection, the vertical movement of mass or transfer of heat, manifests itself as air currents. Accordingly, winds are a result of advection, while air currents are a result of convection.

Although in a gaseous state, the atmosphere observes fluid-like dynamics. This is an important...