The Free Oscillations of Lake Erie
Abstract
The longitudinal free oscillations of Lake Erie are investigated theoretically by numerical integration of the channel equations, and observationally by analysis of water-level covariance spectra. Good agreement is obtained between computed and observed periods of the first four modes, as well as between computed and observed amplitude. Particular attention is given to influence of the earth's rotation and to the effect of friction. The general conclusions are that the earth's rotation transforms the lowest longitudinal mode into an amphidromic wave with countererclockwise rotation of cotidal lines, but does not significantly affect the period of any mode. Friction increases the period by at most a few per cent. Cross-spectral analyses of water-level data give high-water phases of the lowest mode that are qualitatively (and in some cases quantitatively) in good accord with phases computed on the assumption that the transverse profile slope is quasi-geostrophic, and thus support the conclusion that this mode is a "positive" amphidromic wave.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0431670
Entities
People
- Desiraju B. Rao
- George W. Platzman
Organizations
- University of Chicago