Non‐linear effects of internal tides on the generation of the tidal mean flow at the Hebrides Shelf Edge

Abstract

Using a numerical model we demonstrate the importance of non‐linear processes associated with internal tides in the generation of the mean flow at the Hebrides shelf edge. The along slope current can be of the order of 5 cm s−1, which is smaller but significant compared with the oceanic slope current of 20 cm s−1. Moreover the cross slope current can be of the same order and in the down slope direction. The location of the peak along slope current is close to the region of convergence of internal tidal wave energy flux. This suggests that the internal tidal wave energy is transferred to the mean flow. We also show that the mean flow due to this process can be more important than that induced by the bottom front arising from differential tidal mixing at the shelf edge.