What happens
to a column of air in a
mercury barometer?
If the tentperature rises ?

Mantle convection is the process that drives plate tectonics. the theory of plate tectonics states that the crust is divided into plates that float on the semi molten mantle below. the circular motion of the magma as it slowly rises and falls or move though convection cells drags the plates along causing them to move. the heat source in the lamp would represent the earth's core. the core is the source of energy that drives convection in the mantle. the lava represents molten magma under the earth's surface. if the lava lamp had floating pieces they would move as the circular motion of the lava in the lamp as it rises and falls would move them along the surface. these floating pieces would represent pieces of the earth's crust. 

Humid continental climate is found in the interior of continents between the 30 and 60 degrees latitude, but usually above the 40 degree line.   40 degrees north of the equator means less direct sunlight and therefore less warmth.   this climate is mainly found in the northern hemisphere since there are no major landmasses in the southern hemisphere.  if you live in northern indiana, you know all about humid continental because that is the climate type you have!