A proposed mechanism for the continued movement of dense, hypersaline water through a sediment, causing mineralization or alteration. Reflux is thought to occur by evaporation of salt water producing dense, saline water which sinks through the sediment and displaces lighter waters of normal salinity. In such a way high concentrations of minerals can be flushed through sediment, so causing effects such as large-scale dolomitization of buried limestones.