Kolmogorov laws for stratified turbulence

Abstract

AbstractFollowing the Kolmogorov technique, an exact relation for a vector third-order moment $\mathbi{J}$ is derived for three-dimensional incompressible stably stratified turbulence under the Boussinesq approximation. In the limit of a small Brunt–Väisälä frequency, isotropy may be assumed which allows us to find a generalized $4/ 3$-law. For strong stratification, we make the ansatz that $\mathbi{J}$ is directed along axisymmetric surfaces parameterized by a scaling law relating horizontal and vertical coordinates. An integration of the exact relation under this hypothesis leads to a generalized Kolmogorov law which depends on the intensity of anisotropy parameterized by a single coefficient. By using a scaling relation between large horizontal and vertical length scales we fix this coefficient and propose a unique law.