We review the results of numerical and experimental studies in quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) turbulence. We demonstrate that theoretical energy spectra with slopes-5/3 and-3 (Kraichnan-Batchelor-Leith) can be observed only for a special set of external parameters. The bottom drag, beta effect, finite Rossby-Obukhov radius or vertical stratification, which distinguish geophysical Q2D turbulence from its purely 2D counterpart, determine the organization of a Q2D flow on a large scale. Since the spectral energy flux in 2D turbulence is directed upscale, the bottom friction takes on a special role. In the absence of bottom drag the energy condenses on the largest resolvable scale and flow equilibration is not attained.

PACS: 47.27.Ak, 47.27.Eq, 92.10.−c, 92.90.+x (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2000v043n09ABEH000782 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2000/9/a/ 000165206800001 Citation: Danilov S D, Gurarie D "Quasi-two-dimensional turbulence" Phys. Usp. 43 863–900 (2000) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Данилов С Д, Гурарий Д «Квазидвумерная турбулентность» УФН 170 921–968 (2000); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0170.200009a.0921