Observational and laboratory insights into salt finger convection

Improving observational capabilities in the ocean are revealing a substantial body of evidence that the double-diffusive instability known as salt fingers is widely present and plays a significant role in oceanic mixing. This evidence includes unique fine- and microstructure features in particular regions and distinct patterns in the temperature and salinity variations over large areas. Laboratory experiments have also advanced our understanding of salt fingers. The insights gleaned from both laboratory and ocean are reviewed and related to large-scale ocean structure and climate modeling.