This book is based on the lectures delivered at the 19th Canberra International Physics Summer School held at the Australian National University in Canberra (Australia) in January 2006.The problem of turbulence and coherent structures is of key importance in many fields of science and engineering. It is an area which is vigorously researched across a diverse range of disciplines such as theoretical physics, oceanography, atmospheric science, magnetically confined plasma, nonlinear optics, etc. Modern studies in turbulence and coherent structures are based on a variety of theoretical concepts, numerical simulation techniques and experimental methods, which cannot be reviewed effectively by a single expert.The main goal of these lecture notes is to introduce state-of-the-art turbulence research in a variety of approaches (theoretical, numerical simulations and experiments) and applications (fluids, plasmas, geophysics, nonlinear optical media) by several experts. A smooth introduction is presented to readers who are not familiar with the field, while reviewing the most recent advances in the area. This collection of lectures will provide a useful review for both postgraduate students and researchers new to the advancements in this field, as well as specialists seeking to expand their knowledge across different areas of turbulence research.

Presents a comprehensive, multidisciplinary volume on the physics of zonal jets, from the leading experts, for graduate students and researchers.

This book contains the lectures of the 2nd ITER International Summer School (2008), which was held in conjunction with the 47th Summer School of JSPF for Young Plasma Scientists at Kyushu University during July 22-25, 2008. The theme of the school, “Confinement (from device to plasma)”, was to provide a comprehensive knowledge for fusion research in the ITER era. Fusion research will enter a new phase with ITER, characterized by plasmas with substantial fusion reaction rates, run by an international collaboration effort. Recognizing this new challenge, this book uniquely addresses the definition of mission, the design of device and the knowledge bases for its completion in a consistent manner. This book aims to prepare young researchers to tackle the current and anticipated challenges of magnetic fusion devices, and to disseminate the global knowledge required for a timely and competent exploitation of the ITER physics potential.

The Joint Varenna-Lausanne International Workshop on Theory of Fusion Plasmas takes place every other year in a place particularly favorable for informal and in depth discussions. Invited and contributed papers present state-of-the art researches in theoretical plasma physics, covering all domains relevant to fusion plasmas. This workshop always allows a fruitful mix of experienced researchers and students, to allow for a better understanding of the key theoretical physics models and applications, such as: Theoretical issues related to burning plasmas; Anomalous Transport (Turbulence, Coherent Structures, Microinstabilities) RF Heating and Current Drive; Macroinstabilities; Plasma-Edge Physics and Divertors; Fast particles instabilities.