= Convective chimney
A convective chimney is a localized deeply mixed region formed when surface <buoyancy> loss overcomes ocean <density stratification>. Small plumes, compensating flow, rotation and lateral exchange maintain its structure; it need not be a permanently uniform descending column. <Brine rejection> can increase its surface density forcing. A fresh summer cap can isolate a deep homogeneous core until winter forcing renews contact with the surface, so a surviving core need not imply continuous active convection.
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