• Featured in Physics
  • Editors' Suggestion

Virtual Seafloor Reduces Internal Wave Generation by Tidal Flow

Likun Zhang and Harry L. Swinney
Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 104502 – Published 11 March 2014
Physics logo See Synopsis: Motion in the Ocean

Abstract

Our numerical simulations of tidal flow of a stratified fluid over periodic knife-edge ridges and random topography reveal that the time-averaged tidal energy converted into internal gravity wave radiation arises only from the section of a ridge above a virtual seafloor. The average radiated power is approximated by the power predicted by linear theory if the height of the ridge is measured relative to the virtual floor. The concept of a virtual floor can extend the applicability of linear theory to global predictions of the conversion of tidal energy into internal wave energy in the oceans.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 19 August 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.104502

© 2014 American Physical Society

Synopsis

Key Image

Motion in the Ocean

Published 11 March 2014

A new study suggests only the topmost part of the seafloor is relevant in determining the conversion of tidal energy to wave energy in the ocean.

See more in Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Likun Zhang* and Harry L. Swinney

  • Department of Physics and Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA

  • *lzhang@chaos.utexas.edu
  • swinney@chaos.utexas.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 112, Iss. 10 — 14 March 2014

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×