Vortex dynamics in inhomogeneous plasmas

The dynamics of vortical structures in magnetized plasmas with nonuniform density is investigated numerically. In particular the dynamics of monopolar vortices is considered and the results are discussed in terms of the conservation of potential vorticity. It is found that individual vortex structures tend to transport density up the gradient in contrast to structures embedded in developed turbulence, which on the average will lead to a flattening of the density gradient. The role of vortical structures in connection with electrostatic plasma turbulence and the associated cross-field plasma transport is also addressed.