Reduction of surface mixing in solar ponds by floating rings

The phenomenon of mixing in the top region of solar ponds is investigated. The factors causing this problem are described. Effects of wind in creating the top layer convective zone are discussed. Necessary formulas for determination of amplitude and frequency of the waves generated by the winds in terms of wind velocity and fetch length are given. Also the problem of wind driven currents in solar ponds is discussed. The idea of small circular floating rings as wave suppressors is introduced and their effectiveness in decreasing the thickness of the top convective zone is discussed. It has been found that the floating ring wave suppressors can successfully decrease the depth of the top mixing layer in solar ponds.