Moored Observations of Internal Waves in Luzon Strait: 3-D Structure, Dissipation, and Evolution
Abstract
We are interested in the general problems of internal waves and ocean mixing. Knowledge of these is important for advancing the performance of operational and climate models, as well as for understanding local problems such as pollutant dispersal and biological productivity. In the specific case of NLIWs, the currents and displacements of the waves are strong enough to impact undersea operations. More generally, most of the ocean's physical and acoustic environments (and particularly in straits) are severely impacted by internal waves. The research proposed here should substantially improve both our understanding and predictive ability of linear internal tide and NLIWs in Luzon Strait and the South China Sea (SCS). The objectives are: to understand the generation mechanisms, and to better predict the arrival times, of waves that ultimately become the NLIWs that propagate westward into the northeastern SCS; to better understand generation and propagation of internal waves in a strongly sheared environment (the Kuroshio) and to relate findings to the more general problem of internal waves in straits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA526904
Entities
People
- Luc Rainville
- Matthew H. Alford
Organizations
- University of Washington