Moored Observations to Define the Structure and Energetics of Non-Linear Internal Wave Generation Over the New Jersey Shelf
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS: To further our understanding of NLIW generation, to aid our NLIW prediction ability, and to quantify NLIW effects on acoustics, optics, energy dissipation, and momentum transfer in the coastal ocean. OBJECTIVES: What environmental factors define the structure and energetics of non-linear internal wave generation, and how can theses be used to predict intensity and quality of a wave packet. Specifically: * Under what conditions (stratification, barotropic forcing and topography) are NLIWs generated? What factors determine whether waves of elevation or waves of depression form? How are these influenced by the location of the shelf-break front? * What are the generation mechanisms? 1. barotropic via either a nonlinear version of Baines' (1982), or a controlled hydraulic flow which is released at low Froude numbers; or, 2. baroclinic, whereby a nearly-linear internal tide is generated and undergoes nonlinear transformations either locally or after having propagated many wavelengths. * What are the conversion efficiencies (i.e., the rates of energy transfer from linear to nonlinear waves, or from barotropic to baroclinic waves), and what fraction is dissipated locally? What fraction radiates away from the shelf break (forming the red beams in figure 2). * How do the near-bottom and near-surface signatures differ for these two types of waves. How important is the bottom stress? Can a surface expression for waves of elevation be detected?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA612618
Entities
People
- Jonathan D. Nash
Organizations
- Oregon State University