Universal Spectrum of Two-Dimensional Turbulence on a Rotating Sphere and Some Basic Features of Atmospheric Circulation on Giant Planets

Semion Sukoriansky; Boris Galperin; Nadejda Dikovskaya

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.124501

Universal Spectrum of Two-Dimensional Turbulence on a Rotating Sphere and Some Basic Features of Atmospheric Circulation on Giant Planets

Semion Sukoriansky, Boris Galperin, Nadejda Dikovskaya

Department of Mechanical Engineering

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71 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Kolmogorov-Batchelor-Kraichnan (KBK) theory of two-dimensional turbulence is generalized for turbulence on the surface of a rotating sphere. The energy spectrum develops considerable anisotropy; a steep [Formula presented] slope emerges in the zonal direction, while in all others the classical KBK scaling prevails. This flow regime in robust steady state is reproduced in simulations with linear drag. The conditions favorable for this regime may be common for giant planets’ atmospheric circulations; the same steep spectra are found in their observed zonal velocity profiles and utilized to explain their basic characteristics.

Original language	English
Journal	Physical Review Letters
Volume	89
Issue number	12
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.124501
State	Published - 1 Jan 2002

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General Physics and Astronomy

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10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.124501

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title = "Universal Spectrum of Two-Dimensional Turbulence on a Rotating Sphere and Some Basic Features of Atmospheric Circulation on Giant Planets",

abstract = "The Kolmogorov-Batchelor-Kraichnan (KBK) theory of two-dimensional turbulence is generalized for turbulence on the surface of a rotating sphere. The energy spectrum develops considerable anisotropy; a steep [Formula presented] slope emerges in the zonal direction, while in all others the classical KBK scaling prevails. This flow regime in robust steady state is reproduced in simulations with linear drag. The conditions favorable for this regime may be common for giant planets{\textquoteright} atmospheric circulations; the same steep spectra are found in their observed zonal velocity profiles and utilized to explain their basic characteristics.",

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Universal Spectrum of Two-Dimensional Turbulence on a Rotating Sphere and Some Basic Features of Atmospheric Circulation on Giant Planets

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