Vortex trails in stratified fluids

A framework is proposed which accounts for the properties of atmospheric vortex trails used by wind flow. Similarities between atmospheric vortex patterns and those in stratified fluids are observed noting that the generation of vortex trails is primarily due to density stratification. Horizontal vortices form for values of Froude numbers between 2-505, and for Reynolds numbers between 600-100,000. The cause of late-wake vortices and the reason for their great regularity is the presence of a large-scale coherent structure in the early wake. A critical Froude number exists above which no horizontal vortices form and its value for a bluff body is about 160. Finally, it is also noted that ambient shear can prevent or destroy late-wake horizontal vortices.