Abstract
Our understanding of the general ocean circulation has been enhanced by an interplay between laboratory model, analytic and numerical theory. Unfortunately (for experimenters), however, it is now generally thought that there is no longer a role for laboretory models of the ocean circulation : The role has ended long befor. Is this true? With this question in mind, the author presents a brief review of previous laboratory experiments on the general ocean circulation and a critical evaluation of those experimental efforts. Some new results from recent laboratory models are also described.
