Observations of Tidal Internal Wave Beams at Kauai Channel, Hawaii

Abstract

Abstract To observe the across-ridge structure of internal tides, density and velocity were measured using SeaSoar and a Doppler sonar over the upper 400–600 m of the ocean extending 152 km on each side of the Hawaiian Ridge at Kauai Channel. Eighteen sections were completed in about 18 days with sampling intentionally detuned from the lunar semidiurnal (M2) tide so that averaging over all sections was equivalent to phase averaging the M2 tide. Velocity and displacement variance and several covariances involving velocity and displacement showed one M2 internal wave beam on each side of the ridge and reflection of the beams off of the surface. Theoretical ray slopes aligned with the observed beams and originated from the sides of the ridge. Energy flux was in agreement with internal wave generation at the ridge. Inferred turbulent dissipation was elevated relative to open ocean values near tidal beams. Energy flux was larger than total dissipation almost everywhere across the ridge. Internal wave energy flux and dissipation at Kauai Channel were 1.5–2.5 times greater than at the average location along the Hawaiian Ridge. The upper 400–600 m was about 1/3 to 1/2 as energetic as the full-depth ocean. Tidal beams interact with each other over the entire length of the beams causing gradients along beams in almost all covariances, momentum flux divergences, and mean flows. At Kauai Channel, momentum flux divergences corresponded to mean flows of 1–4 cm s−1.