What does "Turbulent Cascade" mean?

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A turbulent cascade is a process where energy moves from large scales to small scales in a fluid or plasma. When something like a jet or wind flows, it can create swirls and eddies. These larger movements can break down into smaller and smaller motions, passing energy down to tiny scales.

In this process, the energy gets spread out, causing various changes in the flow. For example, in space where plasma exists, such as in the Earth's magnetosheath, this movement is important for how the plasma behaves and interacts with magnetic fields.

As the energy cascades down, it can create different patterns and changes in temperature and velocity of particles. This affects how particles behave and how energy is transferred within the plasma. Understanding this can help explain the unpredictable changes seen in certain astronomical objects, like blazars.

In summary, a turbulent cascade is all about how energy moves and changes within a fluid or plasma, affecting everything from flow patterns to particle behavior.