Mass transport by mode-2 internal solitary-like waves

Abstract

We present the first three-dimensional numerical simulations of the mass transport capabilities of mode-2 waves formed by a lock-release mechanism with both single and double pycnocline stratifications. Single pycnoclines and double pycnoclines with a small spacing between the pycnocline centres were found to exhibit large Lee instabilities which formed during the collapse of the intermediate density region. These instabilities led to the generation of vorticity dipoles across the mid-depth, and thereby contributed to the reduction in the mass transported by the wave. A double pycnocline with a separation of approximately 12% of the depth between the two pycnocline centres was found to transport a passive tracer optimally for the longest time-period. Increasing Schmidt number correlated with increasing mass transport, while decreasing the tracer diffusivity led to increasing mass transport, but only when a trapped core existed. Contrasted two-dimensional simulations reveal that in certain cases, most noticeably the optimal transport case, the mass transport is significantly different from the corresponding three-dimensional simulation.