The structure of turbulent density interfaces

Abstract

The structure of density interfaces upon which turbulent motions have been imposed is investigated in the laboratory. Particular attention is paid to the profiles of density across such interfaces, and the temporal response of the interface to the imposed turbulence. Interfaces over a range of Péclet numbers and Richardson numbers are examined. It is found that the interface thickness h/l (non-dimensionalized with respect to the length scale l of the turbulence) is a function of the Péclet number but independent of the Richardson number. At low Péclet numbers (Pe [lsim ] 200) molecular diffusion is important in the determination of the interface structure and a diffusive core (across which all transport occurs by molecular diffusion) is formed in the centre of the interface. At higher Péclet numbers the interface structure appears to be determined by non-diffusive processes and h/l becomes approximately constant at a value of about 1·5. Some information concerning the intermittent nature of the mixing process at high Péclet number is obtained from records of salinity fluctuations measured at a fixed point. Finally, the implications of these data concerning the interpretations of the measurements of entrainment across an interface made by Turner (1968) are discussed.