Mathematical Analysis of Inertial Waves in Rectangular Basins with One Sloping Boundary

Abstract

AbstractWe consider the problem of small oscillations of a rotating inviscid incompressible fluid. From a mathematical point of view, new exact solutions to the two‐dimensional Poincaré–Sobolev equation in a class of domains including trapezoid are found in an explicit form and their main properties are described. These solutions correspond to the absolutely continuous spectrum of a linear operator that is associated with this system of equations. For specialists in Astrophysics and Geophysics, the existence of these solutions signifies the existence of some previously unknown type of inertial waves corresponding to the continuous spectrum of inertial oscillations. A fundamental distinction between monochromatic inertial waves and waves of the new type is shown: usual characteristics (frequency, amplitude, wave vector, dispersion relation, direction of energy propagation, and so on) are not applicable to the last. Main properties of these waves are described. In particular, it is proved that they are progressive. Main features of their energy transfer are described.