Theory and Modeling of Internal Wave Generation in Straits
2011
Helfrich, Karl R
The long-term goal of this research is to improve scientists' understanding of the generation of nonlinear internal tides and waves by stratified flow over sills (e.g,. straits) and shelves and the subsequent evolution of the radiated internal disturbance, with particular emphasis on the role of rotation. The primary objectives will be to connect the generation process with the dynamics of the disintegration of the radiated internal tide into shorter, nonlinear internal solitary-like waves, and to predict the space and time scales for the emergence of waves and their properties (e.g., wave amplitudes, numbers, etc.). A central aspect of this work is to explore the role of rotation in the process. Rotation permits the presence of periodic, nonlinear inertia-gravity waves (i.e., the tide) that can act as attractors and arrest the steepening of the internal tide, and hence affect the production of the shorter solitary-like waves (Gerkema, 1996; Helfrich and Grimshaw, 2008). A related objective is the long-term effect of rotation on the emerging solitary waves, where it has been shown that these waves may decay to produce nonlinear wave packets (Helfrich, 1997; Grimshaw and Helfrich, 2008). Exploration of the role of propagation in two horizontal on these processes is also a goal.
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