Dynamics of diffusive-convective staircases in the ocean

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 6, 2026

Evolution of Staircase Structures in Diffusive Convection
07:28

Evolution of Staircase Structures in Diffusive Convection

Published on: September 5, 2018

Mary-Louise Timmermans1, Jeffrey Carpenter2

  • 1Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University , New Haven, CT, USA.

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|November 5, 2026
PubMed

Keywords:
diffusive convective staircasesdouble-diffusive convectionmixing processesocean thermohaline structure

More Related Videos

Measurements of Waves in a Wind-wave Tank Under Steady and Time-varying Wind Forcing08:54

Measurements of Waves in a Wind-wave Tank Under Steady and Time-varying Wind Forcing

Published on: February 13, 2018

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces08:05

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces

Published on: September 9, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Partial Differential Equations01:21

Partial Differential Equations

A stone dropped into a still pond generates waves that propagate outward in circular patterns, creating a dynamic surface whose elevation depends on both position and time. At any given location, the water level oscillates as the wave passes, while at any fixed moment, the surface exhibits smooth, curved structures extending across space. This dual dependence requires a mathematical description that accounts for variation in multiple variables simultaneously.At a fixed point on the water...
Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving01:09

Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving

Carbonation is a process used to dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, commonly used in the production of carbonated beverages. Achieving efficient carbonation requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. By adjusting these parameters, carbonation efficiency can be maximized, producing a higher concentration of CO2 in the liquid.
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
Introduction to Types of Flows01:23

Introduction to Types of Flows

Fluid flows are categorized by dimensionality and behavior, with one-dimensional flow being the simplest form, where properties like velocity and pressure change only along a single axis. Water moving through straight pipes exemplifies this flow type, as variations in other directions are minimal. One-dimensional analysis helps simplify understanding such flows, focusing solely on changes along the pipe's length.
Two-dimensional flow involves changes in both length and height, as seen in air...
Laminar and Turbulent Flow01:07

Laminar and Turbulent Flow

Fluid dynamics is the study of fluids in motion. Velocity vectors are often used to illustrate fluid motion in applications like meteorology. For example, wind—the fluid motion of air in the atmosphere—can be represented by vectors indicating the speed and direction of the wind at any given point on a map. Another method for representing fluid motion is a streamline. A streamline represents the path of a small volume of fluid as it flows. When the flow pattern changes with time, the streamlines...
Navier–Stokes Equations01:28

Navier–Stokes Equations

For incompressible Newtonian fluids, where density remains constant, stresses show a linear relationship with the deformation rate, defined by normal and shear stresses. Normal stresses depend on the pressure exerted on the fluid and the rate of deformation in specific directions, which determines how fluid flows under varying pressures. Shear stresses, on the other hand, act tangentially across fluid layers. They explain how adjacent fluid layers slide relative to one another, connecting...
Differential Equations: Problem Solving01:21

Differential Equations: Problem Solving

When analyzing the motion of falling objects, it is essential to consider not only the force of gravity but also the opposing force of air resistance. A practical example involves releasing a heavy test weight during a safety check on a ship. As the weight falls from rest, gravity accelerates it downward while air resistance exerts an upward force that increases with velocity. This dynamic interplay of forces is well described by differential equations, which provide a mathematical framework...