Evolution and distribution of TKE production and dissipation within stratified flow over topography

Abstract

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.