Energy Exchange between Surface and Internal Waves; Soliton-Like Wave- Packets in the Wake of a Ship; Excitation and Generation of Short Capillary Waves by Longer Waves
Abstract
We have shown that an energy transfer of the order of 10(exp 4) Omega/sq m can occur between surface and internal waves. The transfer is predominantely from the internal to the surface waves, but it can go either way, depending on the Vaisala frequency profile and the surface wave spectrum. We are putting together a database of wind and Vaisala profiles for the North Pacific in order to evaluate the implications of this transfer. A study of the possible soliton-like waves in the Kelvin wave of a surface vessel was investigated. The objective of the experiment was to tow a number of ship models and other shapes to investigate the mechanism for generating persistent nonlinear features. Hydrodynamic calculations were consistent with the observations. Observational evidence suggests that at low wind speeds(< or = 6 m/s) direct generation of wind cannot account for the capillary wave spectrum (wavelengths < or = 2 cm). A theoretical treatment for this has been developed (in collaboration with John McBride) that uses a novel form of canonical transformation theory. This theory avoids the conventional problem with resonant oscillation. Application to study steepening of short gravity were investigated. Surface and internal waves, Energy transfer, Kelvin wakes, North Pacific wind speeds, Vaisala frequency profiles
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA277436
Entities
People
- Kenneth M. Watson
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography