Stratified flows

Stratified flows are flows in a fluid whose density varies, often with less dense fluid vertically above denser fluid. In these flows, buoyancy forces can cause waves, vorticies, and turbulence. When density decreases in the rising vertical direction, the flow is stably stratified.

Stratified flows are a common feature of Earth's oceans and atmosphere. For example, the thermocline in the upper ocean is stably stratified owing to warmer, less salty water overlying colder saltier water below.