The diffusive (or semiconvection) regime of double-diffusive convection (DDC) is widespread in the polar oceans, generating ‘‘staircases’’ consisting of high-gradient interfaces of temperature and salinity separated by convectively mixed layers. Using two-dimensional direct numerical simulations, support is provided for a previous theory that rotation can influence DDC heat fluxes when the thic...

Abstract Double-diffusive systems, such as thermosolutal convection, in which the density depends on two components that diffuse at different rates, are prone to both steady and oscillatory instabilities. Such systems can evolve into layered states, components, also density, adopt a “staircase” profile. Turbulent transport is enhanced significantly state. Here we exploit an analogy between magn...