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The results of an experimental study of the convective flows engendered within the annular gap between concentric vertical cylinders are presented. The inner cylinder is rotating and heated, while the outer cylinder is stationary and cooled. Stationary horizontal endplates are used to seal the annulus, forming an enclosure. The working fluid is air. Of particular interest is the accurate prediction of the heat transfer rates, which are intimately linked to the structure of the flow field. In rotating systems, the existence of hydrodynamic instabilities may lead to a variety of secondary flows as the parameters describing the system are varied. Along with each transition in a flow, the transport mechanisms are altered, and usually result in markedly changed rates of heat and momentum transport. Experiments are conducted to determine the interdependence between the heat transfer mechanism and the structure of the secondary …