The convection zone of the Sun
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The Convection Zone

The convection zone in the Sun occurs above the radiative zone, at about .7 to .8 solar radii from the center of the Sun. At this point the temperature gradient (the change in temperature with depth) becomes so large that turbulent convective motions occur, similar to a pot of boiling water. The overturning motions inside the Sun are responsible for the granulation pattern seen on the Sun's surface.

Last modified January 5, 2005 by Travis Metcalfe.

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