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Measurements of Waves in a Wind-wave Tank Under Steady and Time-varying Wind Forcing
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Near-Inertial Internal Gravity Waves in the Ocean
Matthew H Alford1, Jennifer A MacKinnon1, Harper L Simmons2
1Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
Annual Review of Marine Science
|September 3, 2015
Summary
Near-inertial waves (NIWs) are ubiquitous ocean phenomena. This review covers their physics, generation, and interactions, highlighting their role in ocean mixing and dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Physical Oceanography
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Near-inertial waves (NIWs) are a ubiquitous feature in the global ocean.
- They are characterized by a spectral peak near the local inertial frequency (f).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of NIW physics.
- To synthesize observations, theory, and models of NIWs.
- To explore NIW generation mechanisms and interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on NIWs.
- Analysis of observational data, theoretical frameworks, and numerical models.
- Synthesis of findings across different methodologies.
Main Results:
- NIWs propagate energy and momentum over long distances, with longer wavelengths traveling further.
- Shorter NIW wavelengths are associated with significant turbulent mixing due to high shear.
- Multiple mechanisms generate NIWs, with wind forcing likely being dominant.
Conclusions:
- NIWs play a crucial role in ocean mixing and energy transfer.
- Further research is needed to fully understand NIW generation partitioning and interactions with other ocean motions.
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