Turbulent compressible convection in a deep atmosphere. IV - Results of three-dimensional computations

Abstract

The behavior of turbulent convection in deep atmospheres is studied by numerically solving the three-dimensional Navier Stokes equations. It is found that the mean vertical velocity is an important link between the buoyancy work and the heat flux. In regions with efficient convection, the total flux is composed of the enthalpy flux and the flux of kinetic energy. The characteristics of these components of the total flux are examined. It is shown that the production of kinetic energy depends on the local variables and the flux. However, the dissipation of kinetic energy is nonlocal. A substantial amount of kinetic energy is carried away from the location of production to be dissipated in lower regions.