Oceanic Random Motion. A State of the Art Review,

Abstract

The present knowledge regarding random oceanic motion is summarized. For convenience random motion is devided into turbulence, surface waves, and internal waves. The characteristics of these phenomena are examined along with some of the basic assumptions usually made to simplify their study. In particular, the validity of the usual assumptions of isotropy and stationarity are questioned. The difference between field and laboratory results is indicated, and the shortcomings of laboratory studies are emphasized. Experimental results in certain areas are reviewed to show reasonable approximations to presently accepted theory. Energy sources such as the wind and tide are relatively easy to pinpoint, but other sources giving rise to inertial period fluctuations and seiching are somewhat more difficult to explain. The relationship between the amount of energy contained in turbulent flow as compared to that in the mean flow also varies widely. (Modified author abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0763804

Entities

People

  • Jerome Williams

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Flow
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Internal Waves
  • Research Facilities
  • Surface Waves
  • Turbulence
  • Turbulent Flow
  • Waves

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Theoretical Analysis.