Location
Utah Valley University Sorensen Center
Start Date
5-9-2016 11:21 AM
End Date
5-9-2016 11:33 AM
Description
Internal waves are complex phenomena which occur uniquely in fluids which are stratified, or have varying density with respect to height. This occurs within the ocean and the atmosphere. One well known method of internal wave generation is tidal flow over oceanic bathymetry. However, in some locations, the natural frequency of the deep ocean is less than the tidal frequency and thus only evanescent waves are generated. While evanescent waves generally dissipate quickly after formation, it is been observed that if these waves travel into a stronger stratification, they can become propagating internal waves. Presented here is an experimental investigation of this internal wave generation mechanism. Specifically, internal wave energy transfer through a turning depth for a range of stratification profiles and turning depth locations is explored.
An Experimental Investigation of Evanescent Wave Propagation Through a Turning Depth
Utah Valley University Sorensen Center
Internal waves are complex phenomena which occur uniquely in fluids which are stratified, or have varying density with respect to height. This occurs within the ocean and the atmosphere. One well known method of internal wave generation is tidal flow over oceanic bathymetry. However, in some locations, the natural frequency of the deep ocean is less than the tidal frequency and thus only evanescent waves are generated. While evanescent waves generally dissipate quickly after formation, it is been observed that if these waves travel into a stronger stratification, they can become propagating internal waves. Presented here is an experimental investigation of this internal wave generation mechanism. Specifically, internal wave energy transfer through a turning depth for a range of stratification profiles and turning depth locations is explored.