Internal Waves in Straits (IWISE): Observations of Wave Generation
Abstract
The long term goals are to use observations and analysis of stratified flow past complex topography to understand how internal tidal interaction in straits is responsible for the generation of large amplitude high frequency internal waves. Our objectives include the development and deployment of a 2-D array of pressure-sensor-equipped inverted echo sounders (PIES) so as to observe the generation of internal waves by tidal interaction with topography in Luzon Strait, and to interpret the results using appropriate models of internal wave formation and evolution. Our approach required construction of a 2-dimensional array of PIES (Li et al. 2009) and their deployment for 9 months both within Luzon Strait and in the deep basin to its west. In addition, the plans included a single instrument deployment east of the strait so as to acquire time series measurements of internal waves radiating into the Pacific. The observations provide a basis for testing models of the generation and evolution of topographically generated internal waves. PIES measure the return acoustic travel time between the sea floor and surface, as well as the local pressure. The measurement effectively filters out the higher modes, revealing the first internal mode response. The effects of barotropic pressure variations are removed from the time series. This work has being carried out with collaboration of M Alford (APL U. Washington, instrument deployments), M Buisjman (GFDL Princeton, model comparisons), H Simmons (SFOS U Alaska, model comparisons), Y-J Yang (Naval Academy, Taiwan, instrument deployment/recovery) and other IWISE team members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA590511
Entities
People
- David M. Farmer
- Jae-Hun Park
Organizations
- University of Rhode Island