Global Mapping of Near-inertial and Tidal Internal Wave Propagation

Abstract

The long-term goal is to understand the magnitude and distribution of internal-wave propagation and internal-wave- induced mixing. Objectives: To use detect energy-flux associated with low-mode near-inertial and tidal propagation in moored current meter data at as many locations as possible. To determine the degree to which energy-flux divergences (and therefore sites of enhanced dissipation) can be determined from this analysis. To compute time-averaged spatial maps of near-inertial, internal-tidal and mesoscale energy from TOPEX/ POSEIDON altimetry, drifters, current meters and ADCP tracks. To determine, within the context of Peter Muller's Internal Wave Action Model (IWAM, also supported by ONR), the extent to which these findings are consistent with existing internal-wave propagation theories. To use large-scale and regional atmospheric models to examine the high-latitude and small-scale reliability, interannual variability, and convergences/divergences in the wind energy flux maps computed by Alford (2001, 2003).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2003
Accession Number
ADA629216

Entities

People

  • Matthew H. Alford

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Deep Oceans
  • Dissipation
  • Energy
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Fungi
  • High Latitudes
  • Internal Waves
  • Latitude
  • North Pacific Ocean
  • Oceans
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Spatial Distribution
  • Wave Propagation
  • Waves
  • Wind Energy

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Coastal Oceanography