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Evolution and distribution of TKE production and dissipation within stratified flow over topography
Author(s) -
Inall Mark,
Rippeth Tom,
Griffiths Colin,
Wiles Phil
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2004gl022289
Subject(s) - dissipation , turbulence , dissipative system , mechanics , turbulence kinetic energy , drag , mean flow , flow (mathematics) , barotropic fluid , kinetic energy , stratified flow , energy budget , physics , geology , energy balance , stratification (seeds) , classical mechanics , thermodynamics , seed dormancy , germination , botany , dormancy , biology
Analysis is presented of detailed observations of turbulence in stratified flow over topography. Key results are: 1) Directly measured dissipative energy losses due to skin friction and an internal hydraulic transition are relatively small, each accounting for approximately 10% of the mean flow energy loss, and 2) Production and dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy in flow over the topographic feature are in approximate balance throughout the transition from sub‐ to super‐critical mean flow. The study is two‐dimensional and a closed energy budget through direct measurement remains elusive; it is concluded that horizontal aspects of barotropic form drag such as eddy‐shedding are responsible for as much as 30–40% of the mean flow energy loss.