The mathematical modeling of the flow and temperature fields in an inductively coupled radio frequency (rf) plasma torch is carried out with the objective of elucidating the basic of turbulence phenomena met under such discharge conditions. Temperature and density fluctuations are included in the k-epsilon turbulence model to investigate their effect on the plasma turbulence and energy transfer. Two distinct regions, one almost fully laminar and another significantly turbulent, are shown to coexist in the discharge. The effects of operation parameters on the plasma turbulence are discussed.