Marangoni Effect

The Marangoni Effect occurs when variations in surface tension cause fluid to move. Surface tension depends on temperature or the composition of the liquid's surface; differences create a gradient. For example, if part of a liquid surface heats up or contains a different substance, the surface tension changes at that spot. The fluid then flows from areas of low surface tension to high surface tension to minimize energy. This phenomenon influences many natural and industrial processes, such as tear film distribution on the eye, the spreading of liquids on surfaces, and the behavior of droplets in manufacturing.