A discussion on models of thermals

For a thermal starting from rest, the scales of motion consistent with the initial conditions are given. An alternative time scale based on the motion of the thermal is derived. The anticipated similarity solutions for thermals are summarised and possible qualitative differences between solutions are given. Within this consistent framework previously published laboratory and numerical models of thermals are discussed. Reasons why numerical models have not rigorously demonstrated the existence of a self-similarity solution are considered. Comparisons of all available results show that a single similarity solution valid for all thermals does not exist.