Stommel: two stable circulation regimes under the same external conditions

What changed

Stommel shows that a symmetric idealized heat-and-salt convection system can admit two locally stable flow regimes, with a separating unstable equilibrium and parameter-dependent transitions.

Scientific scope

Stommel shows that a symmetric idealized heat-and-salt convection system can admit two locally stable flow regimes, with a separating unstable equilibrium and parameter-dependent transitions. The box model uses specified temperature/salinity forcing, exchange and feedback assumptions. Multiple equilibria and their stability belong to that idealized system, not a complete global ocean circulation forecast. Parameter dependence and basin/forcing simplifications matter. Later observations, spatial models and tipping analyses receive separate credit.

Evidence

Source-linked, scoped account of the original work. The published scope states the scientific assumptions and remaining verification limits. WRS has not independently certified the full proof, experimental result or system benchmark.

Contributors

• Henry Stommel · SCIENCE: Original source-listed scientific author of this scoped work; byline does not determine effort fractions.

• Henry Stommel, Thermohaline Convection with Two Stable Regimes of Flow — complete 1961 physical-model article

Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.

Full scientific record · Browse contribution grades · Request a correction