  A geometric approach to derive the Nambu brackets for ideal two-dimensional
(2D) hydrodynamics is suggested. The derivation is based on two-forms with
vanishing integrals in a periodic domain, and with resulting dynamics
constrained by an orthogonality condition. As a result, 2D hydrodynamics with
vorticity as dynamic variable emerges as a generic model, with conservation
laws which can be interpreted as enstrophy and energy functionals. Generalized
forms like surface quasi-geostrophy and fractional Poisson equations for the
stream-function are also included as results from the derivation. The formalism
is extended to a hydrodynamic system coupled to a second degree of freedom,
with the Rayleigh-B\'{e}nard convection as an example. This system is
reformulated in terms of constitutive conservation laws with two additive
brackets which represent individual processes: a first representing inviscid 2D
hydrodynamics, and a second representing the coupling between hydrodynamics and
thermodynamics. The results can be used for the formulation of conservative
numerical algorithms that can be employed, for example, for the study of fronts
and singularities.
