driftflöden

Driftflöden refers to the movement of particles or substances within a fluid medium due to the bulk motion of that fluid. This is distinct from diffusion, which is driven by concentration gradients and random molecular motion. In essence, driftflöden describes how things are carried along by the flow itself.

Common examples of driftflöden can be observed in various natural and engineered systems. In hydrology, driftflöden are responsible for the transport of sediment, nutrients, and pollutants in rivers and oceans. In atmospheric science, wind patterns create driftflöden that move air parcels, carrying moisture, heat, and aerosols across vast distances. In biology, driftflöden are crucial for circulating blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and for the dispersal of plankton in aquatic ecosystems.

Understanding driftflöden is essential for predicting the fate and transport of substances in the environment, designing effective water treatment systems, and studying the dynamics of weather and climate. Mathematical models often incorporate terms representing driftflöden alongside diffusive processes to accurately simulate the behavior of fluids and the particles they contain. The rate and direction of driftflöden are dictated by the velocity field of the fluid.