Mass Transport by Second Mode Internal Solitary Waves
Abstract
The overall scientific objective of the proposed effort is to improve our understanding of the propagation and mass transport of internal solitary waves (ISW), particularly mode-2 ISW, and their significance for coastal ocean processes. In recent years numerous observations of mode-2 ISW have been reported so that it appears that such waveforms may be more prevalent than previously thought. Large amplitude mode-2 solitary waves have unique properties, in particular they encompass regions of internal recirculation that enable mass transport over large distances. Transport of mass along a pycnocline can affect upper ocean mixing and distribution of biological and chemical constituents. Moreover, coherent ISW packets can have significant effects on the propagation and scattering of acoustic signals. The objectives of the current effort are to: (1) improve our fundamental understanding of mode-2 ISW mass transport including the effects of ambient shear; (2) characterize the three-dimensional mass transport from localized sources; and, (3) use the results to aid in the interpretation of ocean observations and ascertain the implications for ocean mixing and bio-chemical transport.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA598900
Entities
People
- Alan Brandt
- Omar M. Knio
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University