Final answer:
The patterns of convection currents near the equator are called Hadley cells, which play a significant role in the Earth's climate and weather systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Near the equator, the patterns of convection currents are called Hadley cells. Hadley cells are a tropical atmosphere circulation feature characterized by rising warm air near the equator, moving poleward at high altitudes, sinking as cool air at around 30 degrees north and south, then returning equatorward near the surface. This large-scale tropical circulation is an essential aspect of the Earth's climate, affecting weather patterns and influencing tropical storms formation.