Inverse cascade in Charney-Hasegawa-Mima turbulence

Abstract

The inverse energy cascade in Charney-Hasegawa-Mima turbulence is investigated. Kolmogorov law for the third order velocity structure function is shown to be independent on the Rossby number, at variance with the energy spectrum, as shown by high resolution direct numerical simulations. In the asymptotic limit of strong rotation, coherent vortices are observed to form at a dynamical scale which slowly grows with time. These vortices form an almost quenched pattern and induce strong deviation form Gaussianity in the velocity field.