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Density layering in rotating stratified turbulence

Layering in strongly stratified turbulent flows, where regions of uniform fluid density are separated by sharp density gradients, has been observed to occur spontaneously in both laboratory and natural systems. Oceans, atmospheres, and stellar interiors, characterized by small Froude numbers and large Reynolds numbers, are expected to exhibit this layering behavior. However, the mechanisms behind layer formation remain poorly understood, particularly in the presence of rotation. Although mixing occurs at small scales, the effects of localized mixing can propagate far from the source within these layers. Therefore, understanding the effect of rotation on the formation and propagation of these layers is fundamental for predicting the fate of the mixed waters.

We investigated the dynamics of layer formation in both non-rotating and rotating stratified turbulent flows using a combination of laboratory experiments and direct numerical simulations. The turbulence is generated by vertical rods advected through the fluid. The experimental configuration is identical to that used in the non-rotating experiments by Holford and Linden (1999), allowing for direct comparison between rotating and non-rotating cases. In particular, we studied the effect of varying the frequency ratio f/N and Rossby number, and observed that at high rotation rates, the formation of columnar eddies inhibits density layering.

Host: Eylon Vakrat
Event series  Brewer-Wilson Seminar Series