Oceanographic implications of Laboratory Experiments on Diffusive Interfaces

Abstract

This paper contains a summary of the results from some laboratory and theoretical studies on the diffusive interface in double diffusive convection, paying particular attention to the recent work of Fernando. A simple model is developed which predicts the thickness of the convecting layers in a thermohaline staircase structure. The laboratory buoyancy-flux measurements and the model results are extrapolated for oceanic situations and comparisons are made with field measurements.