Effects of topography and Earth's rotation on the oblique interaction of internal solitary‐like waves in the Andaman Sea

Abstract

AbstractHigh‐resolution three‐dimensional MITgcm simulations and an extended Miles theory are used to investigate the oblique interaction of internal solitary‐like waves (ISWs) in the Andaman Sea. Oblique solitary‐wave interaction is well studied in various fields of physics; however, this process in the ocean has seldom been investigated, despite the observations of its surface signature by remote sensing and potential fourfold increase of ISW amplitude by the development of a (Mach) stem. This study confirms the development of stem‐like ISWs under realistic oceanic conditions. The modeled interaction is found to be approximately consistent with the Miles theory extended to unequal incident‐wave amplitudes and small‐but‐finite incident angles. Although topography does not appear to affect the process in the deep part of the Andaman Sea, substantial topographic amplitude variation along the wave trough needs to be adjusted before comparisons with the theory. Earth's rotation has a small effect on ISW propagation due to the low latitude (≈9°N), but it does slow down the growth of stem‐like ISWs. Potential observation of the process by the next‐generation wide‐swath satellite altimeter is discussed.