A laboratory experimental study of mixing the solar pond gradient zone

Most theoretical and experimental studies in the literature, considered a gradient layer heated from below at constant heat flux, whereas in this work the free surface system is heated from below at constant temperature. In addition, we will focus on the onset and development of the first mixed layer for small values of stability parameter Λ (values that can be encountered in a real solar pond. In the vicinity of our laboratory a 3 m-deep solar pond of 1500 m2 area is available). To our knowledge, no investigations has been performed, on the birth and self-organization of the first layer for small values of Λ.