Insight Into the Dynamics of the Radiating Internal Tide Associated With the Kuroshio Current

Abstract

AbstractOcean circulation strongly influences how internal tides radiate and break and stimulates the spatial inhomogeneity and temporal variation of internal tidal mixing. Qualitative and quantitative characterizations of interactions between internal tides and general circulation are critical to multi‐scale circulation dynamics. Based on significant progress in regional circulation simulation, we obtain an observation‐supported internal tide energy field around Luzon Strait by deterministically resolving the dynamics of the radiating paths of the internal tide energy. These paths are created when the known most powerful internal tide of Luzon Strait interacts with the Kuroshio Current. We found that the radiating tidal pattern, local dissipation efficiency, and energy field respond differently to the leaping, looping, and leaking Kuroshio paths within Luzon Strait. Our new insights into the dynamics and our clarifying the controlling refraction mechanism within the general circulation create the potential for internal tides to be represented better in climate models.