Double-Diffusive Convection

Double-diffusive convection is a mixing process driven by the interaction of two fluid components which diffuse at different rates. Leading expert Timour Radko presents the first systematic overview of the classical theory of double-diffusive convection in a coherent narrative, bringing together the disparate literature in this developing field. The book begins by exploring idealized dynamical models and illustrating key principles by examples of oceanic phenomena. Building on the theory, it then explains the dynamics of structures resulting from double-diffusive instabilities, such as the little-understood phenomenon of thermohaline staircases. The book also surveys non-oceanographic applications, such as industrial, astrophysical and geological manifestations, and discusses the climatic and biological consequences of double-diffusive convection. Providing a balanced blend of fundamental theory and real-world examples, this is an indispensable resource for academic researchers, professionals and graduate students in physical oceanography, fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, astrophysics, geophysics and climatology.

Preface; 1. General principles; 2. The linear instability problem; 3. The unbounded gradient model; 4. The two-layer system; 5. The bounded layer model; 6. Collective instability; 7. Thermohaline intrusions; 8. Thermohaline staircases; 9. The unified theory of secondary double-diffusive instabilities; 10. Double-diffusion in active environments; 11. Large-scale consequences; 12. Beyond oceanography; 13. Perspectives and challenges; References; Index.

Timour Radko teaches courses in ocean dynamics, circulation analysis and wave motion at the Oceanography Department of the Naval Postgraduate School. Previously, he worked as a research scientist at the Department of the Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been active in the area of double-diffusive convection for over fifteen years and was closely involved in developing the theory surrounding this topic. Dr Radko has authored numerous papers on physical oceanography and fluid mechanics, and has received the prestigious NSF CAREER award in 2006, the NPS Merit Award for Research in 2008, and the Schieffelin (2010) and Griffin (2011) Awards for Excellence in Teaching.