Stratified Flow, Wave Packet Reflection and Topographic Currents
Abstract
Our basic aim is to achieve a better understanding of the turbulent flow of the oceans in terms of the laws that govern the behavior of vortices and waves and their interactions. In our internal-wave project, we are using numerical simulations to study the dynamical evolution of internal wave packets. We plan to study in detail the process of reflection of a packet from regions of weak density gradient. Packets propagating away from the thermocline may be reflected back toward the thermocline. In the process of reflection, high amplitude packets may break causing mixing. This would tend to erode the boundaries of the thermocline. In our topographic work, we wish to understand the role that bottom topography plays in permitting or inhibiting the bifurcations of coastal currents. We are investigating the role of topography in establishing the circulation in the Adriatic. In particular we want to understand the circulation above the Mid and South Adriatic Pits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA622945
Entities
People
- George F. Carnevale
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography