Breaking of Internal Kelvin Waves Shoaling on a Slope

Abstract

AbstractIn stratified flow, breaking of internal waves over slopes induces resuspension of bottom sediments and transport of mass. When internal waves shoal and break, flow dynamics and mass transport differ significantly according to whether the Coriolis force is included or neglected. Despite its importance, the currents generated by breaking internal Kelvin waves remain uninvestigated. Therefore, this study considers breaking of internal waves over a uniform slope under Coriolis with equivalent upper‐ and lower‐layer depths. Laboratory experiments, using a 6.0‐m rotating tank, were undertaken to visualize currents using particle image velocimetry. Experimental data validated a three‐dimensional fluid dynamics model, in which a phase‐averaged velocity (residual jet) was simulated to occur at the lateral wall (to the right) of the progressive internal Kelvin waves in the breaking zone, with the generation of an oblique downslope return flow (downdraft) under Coriolis. The geostrophic balance drove the residual jet, and the equation for estimating the residual current, due to the jet, was formulated and was discussed by referring a coastal jet in Lake Erie. The results provide insight on mass transport in lakeshore and coastal zones.