High-amplitude internal waves southeast of Spitsbergen

Abstract

We investigate tidal and higher frequency internal waves southeast of Hopen Island of the Svalbard archipelago using shipborne CTD and ADCP data, model simulations, and satellite observations. The experiment was carried out in the marginal ice zone region. Previous numerical simulations predicted high amplitudes of internal tides here. A series of repeated CTD-casts provide estimates of the vertical displacements of water particles caused by internal waves generated over the continental slope. Peak to peak displacements caused by forced non-propagating internal tides were as high as 50 m. Generation of strong internal tides is also shown based on numerical model revealing high amplitudes (50 m) of vertical displacement over the submarine slope. The development of forced internal tides in the vicinity of the M2 critical latitude is accompanied by generation of short-wave trains of internal solitary waves depicted in satellite observations.