The role of eddies in buoyancy flux

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of eddies in determining the stratification of the ocean through a laboratory experiment. The experiment uses a dual-tank apparatus, with a smaller tank sitting inside the larger tank. Both tanks sit on a rotating turntable, which simulates the rotation of Earth. During the experiment, salty water is pumped from the outer tank through small holes in the base of the inner tank, which is initially filled with fresh water. The evolution of the dense fluid in the inner tank is observed, with particular regard to the number of eddies that form. These observations are checked against theoretical predictions, derived from analysis of buoyancy flux, for the number of eddies expected to form.