On the basis of the critical point analysis, we study the reconnection process of vorticity contours associated with coherent vortices in two-dimensional turbulence. After checking topological integrity by the Euler index theorem, we make use of the critical points and their connectivity (so-called surface networks) to characterize topological changes of vorticity contours. We quantify vortex merger by computing the number of centers and saddles of the vorticity field systematically. Surface networks are topological graphs consisting of the critical points and edges connecting them. They can tell in particular which vortices are going to merge in near future. Moreover, we show how this method can remarkably distinguish the dynamics of the vorticity field in the Navier-Stokes equations and that of the Charney-Hasegawa-Mima equation. The relationship between the number of the critical points and hyperpalinstrophy is discussed by deriving the so-called generalized Rice theorem in the spirit of S. Goto and J. C. Vassilicos [Phys. Fluids 21, 035104-1 (2009)]. The Okubo-Weiss' conditional sampling is used to compare reconnection in elliptic and hyperbolic regions. A comparison has been made between topological changes of the vorticity and that of a passive scalar. A study in inviscid flows with different resolutions is also given.

• Received 29 September 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.86.016309