 Potential-energy cost of homogenizing a linear stratification

Homogenizing the top depth $h$ of a constant-gradient stable stratification over horizontal area $\mathcal{A}$ creates mean density ${\rho }_t+{\rho }_0{N}^{2}h/(2g)$. Comparing gravitational potential energies before and after gives $\Delta P={\rho }_0\mathcal{A}{N}^2{h}^3/12$. The density jump at the base has reduced gravity $N^{2}h/2$. The cubic energy cost leads to a quadratic-in-depth coefficient multiplying the deepening rate.