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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Investigating the Three-dimensional Flow Separation Induced by a Model Vocal Fold Polyp
Published on: February 3, 2014
Universal spectrum of two-dimensional turbulence on a rotating sphere and some basic features of atmospheric
Semion Sukoriansky1, Boris Galperin, Nadejda Dikovskaya
1Department of Mechanical Engineering/Perlstone Center for Aeronautical Engineering Studies, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. semion@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
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 -5 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.
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