Energetics and mixing efficiency of lock-exchange gravity currents using simultaneous velocity and density fields

Abstract

Gravity currents, a genre of stratified shear flow, are a tremendous source of turbulence and mixing in ocean and atmosphere. Using high-resolution laser diagnostics, large-, intermediate- and small-scale flow features of an evolving current are measured in laboratory experiments. From this, the turbulent fluxes, mixing efficiency, and eddy diffusivity are quantified, which helps in inferring the state of turbulence inside the current. The results add new insights into modeling of stratified shear flows.

Topics & Concepts