Numerical Investigation of Nonlinear Internal Wave Generation and Breaking in Straits
Abstract
Our long-term goals are to develop a physical understanding of the processes which lead to mixing in the ocean, with the aim of using this understanding to develop parameterizations of mixing suitable for global and regional models, and applying such models to societally relevant problems. A particular focus is the mixing induced by tidal flow over topography, and mixing induced by breaking nonlinear internal waves. The scientific objectives of this study are to explore internal waves generated by tidal flow through straits in the region close to the sill. Our geographic focus is the Luzon Straits. A particular scientific focus is nonlinear overturning and breaking within the straits leading to mixing and modification of the wave field. One possibility which we examine is whether transient internal hydraulic jumps are possible in the Luzon Straits, whether these jumps are released to propagate toward the topography as internal bores when the flow relaxes, and whether the bores lead to local mixing. We explore the details of the Luzon Strait topography to identify locations particularly conducive to local overturning processes. The Luzon Strait features two parallel north south oriented ridges; we examine how the wave fields of the two ridges interact and affect wave generation and mixing processes. We also examine the importance of three-dimensional bathymetry in determining the locations of mixing. To summarize, our goals are to (a) examine the dependence of nonlinear features and local breaking at the generation site on topographic shape and stratification; (b) evaluate how the interaction between the ridges affect the mixing; (c) examine the extent to which the mixing processes are determined by three-dimensional topography variations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA590343
Entities
People
- Maarten C Buijsman
- Sonya Legg