Record Details
Dissipative Losses in Nonlinear Internal Waves Propagating across the Continental Shelf
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Dissipative Losses in Nonlinear Internal Waves Propagating across the Continental Shelf |
| Names |
Moum, J. N.
(creator) Farmer, D. M. (creator) Shroyer, E. L. (creator) Smyth, W. D. (creator) Armi, L. (creator) |
| Date Issued | 2007-07 (iso8601) |
| Abstract | A single nonlinear internal wave tracked more than 100 wavelengths across Oregon’s continental shelf over a 12-h period exhibited nearly constant wave speed, c = 0.75 m s⁻¹, and amplitude, a = 15 m. The wavelength L gradually decreased from 220 m in 170-m water depth to 60 m in 70-m water depth. As the water shallowed beyond 50 m, the wave became unrecognizable as such. The total energy decreased from 1.1 to 0.5 MJ m⁻¹. The rate at which wave energy was lost, −dE/dt = 14 [7, 22] W m⁻¹, was approximately equal to the energy lost to turbulence dissipation, ρε = 10 [7, 14] W m⁻¹, as inferred from turbulence measurements in the wave cores plus estimates in the wave-induced bottom boundary layer. The approximate balance, dE/dt = −ρε, differs from the solibore model of Henyey and Hoering in which the potential energy across the wave balances ρε. However, other evidence suggests that the wave evolved from a solibore-like state to a dissipative solitary wavelike state over the observed propagation path. |
| Genre | Article |
| Identifier | Moum, J. N., D. M. Farmer, E. L. Shroyer, W. D. Smyth, L. Armi, 2007: Dissipative Losses in Nonlinear Internal Waves Propagating across the Continental Shelf. Journal of Physical Oceanography, 37, 1989–1995. |
