Theory and Modeling of Internal Wave Generation in Straits
Abstract
The long-term goal is to improve understanding of the generation of nonlinear internal waves by stratified flow over sills (e.g. straits) and shelves. The primary objective will be on connecting the generation process with the dynamics of the disintegration of the radiated internal tide into shorter, nonlinear internal solitary-like waves and to predict the space and time scales for the emergence of waves and their properties (e.g. wave amplitudes, numbers, etc.). A central aspect of this work is to explore the role of rotation in the process. Rotation permits the presence of periodic, nonlinear inertia-gravity waves (i.e., the tide) that can act as attractors and arrest the steepening of the internal tide, and hence affect the production of the shorter solitary-like waves (Gerkema, 1996; Helfrich and Grimshaw, 2008). A second objective is to study the conditions that promote production of modal nonlinear internal waves on continental shelves from internal tidal beams generated at locations of critical slopes on the continental slopes. Again, the role of rotation will be explored.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA527211
Entities
People
- Karl Helfrich
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution