The temporal development of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) convection is studied during copper electrolysis under galvanostatic conditions. An external, inhomogeneous magnetic field with a constant gradient is applied, resulting in a circular MHD convection within the vertical plane between the electrodes. Analysis of the convection velocity and concentration field reveals a complex interplay between natural and forced MHD convection. The experimental data shows good agreement with the data obtained from numerical simulations. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.