Measurement of salinity distributions in salt-stratified, double-diffusive systems by optical deflectometry

Reliable salinity measurements in double‐diffusive thermohaline solutions are necessary to understand relevant system behavior. An optical technique, which has previously been used to investigate solute diffusion in isothermal systems, is employed to measure the salinity distribution in a double‐diffusive thermohaline system. The technique is verified by comparison with independent salinity measurements, and its use in a double‐diffusive system reveals detailed salinity distribution information. When used with the shadowgraph method of flow visualization, the salinity measurement technique permits a more quantitative interpretation of the shadowgraphic results.