Density layering and stratification in the ocean

[@daniel.m.goldstein]

Thanks. Visual demonstrations are the best

[@mokshgarg3138]

Extremely insightful, sir!

[@gabriellehobson484]

Great experiment and explanation! Thanks

[@francisgruber3638]

Great lab demonstration, thank you!

[@Enerle_]

How much salt did you used for the bottom layer?

[@jonathansharples8130]

The initial stratification was set up using about 100 g of salt (volume of half the tank is 5 litres). It needs to be salty enough so that when you do the experiment with the intermediate layer, the food colour in the mixed end of the tank does not upset the density layering (the food colour does increase the density a little).

[@hemakshigupta_moonlight]

I have a question, how do we ensure that the salty water and the freshwater stay separated, like I did the experiment but the "intermediate" density water kept flowing to the very bottom (sorry I'm a beginner). Also, could you please tell where did you get those dividers/walls/separators from? (Asking for a project 😅) Thank you :)

[@jonahpadung6317]

How is density stratification related to gravity

[@jonathansharples8130]

Stratification only happens if there is gravity. Denser fluids will sink to lie underneath less dense fluids - so the deepest water is the densest, and density gradually decreases as you move upwards through the gravity field.

[@jonahpadung6317]

@@jonathansharples8130 thanks man,fluid mechanics is turbulent