Vorticity dynamics, drift wave turbulence, and zonal flows: a look back and a look ahead

This paper surveys the basic ideas and results on fundamental models of drift wave turbulence, the formation of zonal flows, shear suppression of turbulence and transport, coupled drift wave and zonal flow dynamics and application to transport bifurcations and transitions. Application to vortex dynamics and zonal flow phenomena in EMHD systems are discussed, as well. These are relevant to aspects of ICF and laser plasma physics. Throughout, an effort is made to focus on fundamental physics ideas.