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Buoyancy-induced flow (BIF) of both 18 O-enriched and 18 O-depleted water has been studied in a 10-cm-diameter tube that simulates a section of a well. BIF was detected in all the experiments for a density contrast ([Delta ][rho ]) between 0.03 and 1.0 [sigma ] units. The magnitude of the Rayleigh number suggests that the natural convection flow is turbulent. A mathematical model is presented to predict vertical tracer propagation inside the cavity. BIF may be an important groundwater transport and mixing mechanism in open conduits in aquifers. Its effects should also be considered when performing tracer experiments in the field.