Density stratification is variation of a fluid's mass density with height. Its stable or unstable character depends on whether the buoyancy force restores or amplifies a displaced parcel.
A fluid has stable density stratification when a small vertical displacement produces a restoring buoyancy force. In a gravitational field this normally means that mass density increases downward.
A fluid has unstable density stratification when a vertical displacement amplifies itself. Denser fluid above lighter fluid can overturn by Rayleigh-Taylor instability or develop thermal convection when the density difference is thermal.
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