A model for layer formation in stably stratified turbulence

Stably stratified turbulent flows are common in geophysics and astrophysics , and frequently exhibit layered structures in which large regions of nearl y constant fluid density are separated by sharp density gradients. Experime nts have demonstrated that, under suitable conditions, the stirring of a st ably stratified fluid generates these layer structures. In this paper, a st ochastic one-dimensional model is used to study layer formation in stably s tratified turbulence. The results support mixing length arguments previousl y proposed to describe layers in steady state. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.