Generation of internal waves in Massachusetts Bay

Abstract

Observations of stratified tidal flow over a submarine ridge indicate that the large amplitude and asymmetry of the topography are critical in determining the type of flow response. The observations consist of hydrographic, current meter, and echo‐sounding data and are used as a basis for inferring the generation mechanism of previously observed trains of internal waves. The flow response on ebb and flood tide is categorized according to the Froude number classification of sill flows proposed by Farmer and Smith (1980a). The calculated Froude numbers, response length scale, and duration differ markedly between the two phases of the tide due to the asymmetry of the bank. The development of two features in the acoustic imagery related to wave formation is followed.