Fractal structures in turbulence

We present a qualitative overview of our work on the issue of fractal structures in turbulence. We explain why fully developed turbulence is not space filling and describe how its fractal dimension can be estimated theoretically. The implications of the fractal nature of turbulence on transport processes like turbulent diffusion and on fluctuations in passive scalars are discussed. The latter affect wave propagation in turbulent media and these effects are examined. In addition we consider clouds in the atmosphere which are claimed to have fractal perimeters (or surfaces) and outline the physical reasons for this phenomenon. The fractal dimension of clouds is tied to the theory of turbulent diffusion and is computed theoretically. Indications of the road ahead are given.

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