Abstract: A method of creating a torroidal type convection vortex in a predetermined region of a liquid to perform mixing and pumping is disclosed. This method comprises the local application of a source of energy to a predetermined region of the liquid, which absorbs the energy and produces a temperature gradient sufficient to create a stable, pulsed, or unstable torroidal type vortex in the liquid. Preferably the liquid utilized is an aqueous solution and the source of energy locally applied to the aqueous solution is millimeter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. By taking advantage of the creation of a torroidal type convection vortex, this method can be utilized to create a fluid mixer or a fluid pump.