A Dynamical Model of Wind-Induced Near-Inertial Motions.
Abstract
A semispectral model of upper ocean inertial motions is developed. The model is solved with a Fourier-Chebyshev expansion in the spatial dimensions, and numerically in time. The model allows the user to specify arbitrary vertical profiles of mean stratification and eddy diffusivity. The model is driven by a wind stress function which is an arbitrary function of time. The model is tested against analytic time-dependent Ekman-layer solutions. The comparisons are excellent. The model is used to simulate the response to a delta-function wind stress impulse. Two cases are presented; one with uniform profiles of stratification and eddy diffusivity, and one with nonuniform profiles. Response functions of wavenumber and frequency are computed for current velocity and shear. The response is shown to be in resonance near the lowest two modes of the internal wave dispersion relation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA108687
Entities
People
- David M. Rubenstein