Physics – Fluid Dynamics
Scientific paper
May 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002agusm.a42a..18s&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2002, abstract #A42A-18
Physics
Fluid Dynamics
7863 Turbulence
Scientific paper
The origin of turbulence in the interstellar and interplanetary media in general, and molecular clouds in paryicular, remains a central question in astrophysical fluid dynamics. The translucent molecular clouds, non self-gravitating structures that lack internal star formation, provide the best available constraint on the nature of this turbulence and significant clues to its origin. Despite having no in situ small scale sources, these clouds display superthermal linewidths in moleular tracers that are similar to those seen in giant molecular clouds in which star formation is vigorously ongoing. The translucent clouds show coherent structures that are expected from geophysical and laboratory shear flows, and also show large scale evidence for being externally driven. We present the results for millimeter wave mappings of two such clouds, MBM16 and MBM40, and describe how the analysis leads to the connection between internal turbulent motions and Galactic scale shear flows and feedback processes. Geophysical experience with such flows, albeit in a less extreme environment, may provide useful interdisciplinary insights into the development of the turbulent flows we find. We also discuss implications for Galactic dynamos and star formation.
LaRosa Ted N.
Magnani L. A.
Shore Steve N.
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