Numerical simulation of geophysical turbulence

Abstract

The differences between simulations of geophysical flows and flows of direct interest to engineers are discussed in some detail. A large number of direct numerical and large eddy simulations of turbulent stratified flows that are mainly of interest in environmental fluid mechanics and geophysics that have been made over that last ten years are described. These include homogeneous stratified shear flow, oscillating grid flow (with and without a thermocline or inversion), stratified channel flow and Langmuir circulations. The ability of simulations to provide physical insights and information that are useful in constructing parameterizations for these flows is demonstrated. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.