The Erosion of a Salinity Step by Distributed and Localized Heat Sources

The erosion of a salinity step due to heating from below by either distributed or localized heat sources is examined using two-dimensional numerical simulations. While the double diffusive convection which results from distributed heating is symmetric in nature, with the same mechanisms active on both sides of the salinity step, the double diffusive convection which results from localized heating is asymmetric. The double diffusive fluxes of heat and salt across the salinity step are calculated throughout the erosion process for both types of heating, and the differences in these fluxes are interpreted.