Experiments on convective layer formation and merging in a differentially heated slot

Abstract

This work describes experiments in which a stably stratified salt solution is subjected to steady lateral temperature gradients. The criteria for the onset of layered convection are observed to agree with previously published stability analysis. Convective layers formed in this way are found to be statically unstable; they always merge two into one to form a new system. This process continues until the density jump at the solute interface between layers is larger than the density deficit produced by the side wall heating/cooling. The eventual stable system develops into well-mixed convective layers separated by sharp solute interfaces. The conditions for any subsequent layer intermixing and its effect on the lateral heat transfer across the slot, are also described.