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Virtual seafloor reduces internal wave generation by tidal flow
Likun Zhang1, Harry L Swinney1
1Department of Physics and Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|April 1, 2014
Summary
Tidal energy converted into internal gravity waves originates from ridge sections above a virtual seafloor. This finding allows linear theory to predict radiated power, improving ocean internal wave energy estimations.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Oceanography
- Geophysics
Background:
- Tidal flow in stratified fluids generates internal gravity waves.
- Understanding energy conversion is crucial for oceanographic models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of time-averaged tidal energy converted into internal gravity wave radiation.
- To assess the applicability of linear theory to predict this energy conversion.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of stratified fluid flow over ridges and random topography.
- Analysis of energy conversion mechanisms and radiated power.
Main Results:
- Energy conversion to internal gravity waves occurs only above a 'virtual seafloor'.
- Average radiated power is accurately approximated by linear theory using ridge height relative to the virtual floor.
Conclusions:
- The virtual seafloor concept extends linear theory's applicability.
- This approach enhances global predictions of tidal energy conversion to internal waves in oceans.
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