Non-linear dynamics of gravity wave driven flows in the solar radiative interior

Abstract

We present results of nonlinear numerical simulations of gravity wave driven shear ow oscillations in the equatorial plane of the solar radiative interior. These results show that many of the assumptions of quasi-linear theory are not valid. When only two waves are forced (prograde and retrograde) oscillatory mean ow is maintained; but critical layers often form and are dynamically important. When a spectrum of waves is forced, the non-linear wave-wave interactions are dynamically important, often acting to decrease the maintenance of a mean ow. The (in)coherence of such wave-wave interactions must be taken into account when describing wave driven mean ows.