Influence of multiple sills upon internal wave generation and the implications for mixing

Xing, Jiuxing; Davies, Alan M.. 2009 Influence of multiple sills upon internal wave generation and the implications for mixing. Geophysical Research Letters, 36. L13602. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GL038181

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Abstract/Summary

A cross sectional non-hydrostatic model of a fjord is used to examine to what extent the internal tide is modified by two closely spaced sills. The model is forced with an M2 barotropic tide and internal tides, unsteady lee waves and a jet are generated at the sills. In contrast to an isolated sill, calculations with two closely spaced sills show that the presence of the second sill leads to standing internal wave generation with associated changes in wave spectrum and Richardson number in the inter sill region. Associated with these there is a cascade of energy towards short waves leading to enhanced mixing between the sills. This increase in mixing is consistent with enhanced mixing between closely spaced sills found in observations. It is also relevant to enhanced oceanic and lake mixing, and suggest that future mixing measurements in both oceans and lakes should focus on these regions.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GL038181
Programmes:	Oceans 2025 > Next generation ocean prediction systems
ISSN:	0094-8276
Additional Keywords:	Internal waves, sill, mixing
Date made live:	19 Oct 2009 10:39 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/8191

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GL038181

Programmes:

Oceans 2025 > Next generation ocean prediction systems

ISSN:

0094-8276

Additional Keywords:

Internal waves, sill, mixing

Date made live:

19 Oct 2009 10:39 +0 (UTC)