Quasi-two-dimensional turbulence

We review the results of numerical and experimental. studies in quasi-two-d imensional (Q2D) turbulence. We demonstrate that theoretical energy spectra with slopes -5/3 and -3 (Kraichnan - Batchelor- Leith) could be observed o nly under special set of external parameters. The bottom drag, beta effect, finite Rossby -Obukhov radius or vertical stratification, which distinguis h geophysical Q2D turbulence from its purely 2D counterpart, determine orga nization of a Q2D Row on a large scale. Since spectral energy Bur in 2D tur bulence is directed upscale, the bottom friction takes on a special role. I n the absense of bottom drag the energy condenses on the largest resolvable scale and flow equilibration is not attained.