Turbulent compressible convection in a deep atmosphere. I - Preliminary two-dimensional results

The turbulent convection of a compressible fluid in a deep atmosphere is simulated by two-dimensional numerical computations, displaying coexisting 'cells' whose sizes range from the total depth of the convection zone to the smallest scale height at the top. While the largest cells traverse the entire zone, smaller ones are clustered near the top. The vertical correlation length of the vertical velocity is proportional to the local pressure or density scale height, in a way reminiscent of the concept of mixing length.