14.1 Preface

Turbulence is discussed in this module as a mode of transport for mass and energy between organisms and their environment. Transport processes of particular emphasis include heat transfer and mass fluxes of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace contaminants. The transport depends upon fluid motion which occurs usually through water or air, fluids which tend to be turbulent. This module introduces some of the basic terminology and concepts of turbulence theory and provides relevant examples. These concepts are used to develop the basic form of the most widely used semi-empirical flux relationships, the so called ‘K-theory’. A familiarity with calculus is required in order to understand the mathematical models used.

Turbulence is discussed in this module as a mode of transport for mass and energy between organisms and their environment, The reader is assumed to have an interest in and previous exposure to problems in ecology. This module is intended to be an introduction to concepts and applications of turbulence, but the reader should be familiar with calculus in order to understand the mathematical models. Empirical techniques and actual data are used throughout for added realism and model verification.

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