The Probabilistic Structure of Clear Air Turbulence — Some Observational Results and Implications

Apparent randomness is the particular feature of turbulence which distinguishes it from less complex fluid motions. The fact that turbulence is a physically generated random process must be taken into account in both theoretical studies and in attempts to deal with turbulence as an important part of the environment. The probabilistic structure of turbulent motion is thus the keystone for construction of models which will yield understanding of the physics of turbulence and which will allow engineering predictions to be made.