Experimental and theoretical study of salt-gradient pond interface behavior

An extension is described of a numerical model to include the effect of wind shear on upper convective region growth. Laboratory experiments designed to investigate interface motion in salt-gradient ponds are reported, and the numerical model prediction is compared with an experimental result. Numerical model treatment of the double diffusive effects at the interfaces between convecting and nonconvecting regions in solar ponds is reviewed, and an approach is described that incorporates wind-generated turbulent entrainment into the interface treatment. The calculated behavior agrees with observations made on a solar pond. Two kinds of interface experiments are discussed. The first kind consists of tank experiments designed to give information on interface motion, and on salt and heat transport across interfaces. Numerical model predictions are compared with experimental data. The second type of experiments combine flow-visualization techniques with temperature and salinity measurements. These experiments reveal the flow structure in the neighborhood of the interface