Vortex Structures in a Stratified Fluid offers a systematic treatment of vortex dynamics based on both theoretical analyses and the results of numerous laboratory experiments, with real flows. Using many original photographs and diagrams, the authors provide a theoretical and physical study of various compact vortex structures, such as monopoles, dipoles and quadrupoles, as well as more complex ones. Among the family of vortex structures considered in this book the most remarkable are large-scale dipoles - fundamental elements of vortex flows associated with the term 'two-dimensional turbulence'. The appearance of these structures in initially chaotic flows is of great interest because of their myriad geophysical occurrences. This volume will be of practical interest to researchers in geophysical fluid dynamics, and it will also provide real physical insight and a base for the development of mathematical and experimental skills for postgraduate students specializing in geophysical and applied fluid dynamics.

A fully systematic treatment of the dynamics of vortex structures and their interactions in a viscous density stratified fluid is provided by this book. The various compact vortex structures such as monopoles, dipoles, quadrupoles, as well as more complex ones are considered theoretically from a physical point of view. Another essential feature of the book is the close combination of theoretical analyses with numerous examples of real flows. The book further provides real physical insight and base for postgraduate students specializing in geophysical and applied fluid dynamics. Among the family of vortex structures considered in the book, the most remarkable are the vortex dipoles. These are fundamental elements of the complex chaotic flows associated with the term 'two-dimensional turbulence'. The appearance of these structures in initially chaotic flows is currently of great interest because of a myriad of geophysical applications. Specific examples include the mushroom-like currents discovered from satellite images of the upper ocean. The book is well illustrated with many original photographs (some in colour) and diagrams.