Characteristics of a double-diffusive interface at high density stability ratios

Abstract

A thermohaline diffusive interface at large density stability ratios has been studied experimentally. Several interesting characteristics have been found. First, using a transient experiment technique, a transition from boundary-layer to core-regiondominated transport has been observed. Secondly, interface growth can occur through a series of steps owing to a sharp transition to a region with large interface growth rates. Thirdly, hysteresis occurs within the large density stability ratio region. Finally, the property-transport flux ratio increases as an interface switches from boundary- to core-dominated transports.