Ocean-Acoustic Solitary Wave Studies and Predictions

Abstract

Shallow water internal solitary waves have become a major topic of interest to ocean- ographers and acousticians. In this paper we review the cross-disciplinary status of joint ocean- acoustic solitary wave studies and predictions. We consider the process of acoustical mode coupling in the presence of solitary waves and the corresponding acoustical intensity loss due to increased coupling with the bottom. A study of the interaction of an acoustical field with a train of solitary waves is undertaken at a range of frequencies. At a resonant frequency the acoustic field can interact with the solitary wave packet which results in mode conversions (acoustic energy is redistributed among the modes, often from lower-order to higher-order modes). Higher signal losses can occur in the higher order modes through increased bottom attenuation and result in an anomalous acoustical intensity loss at the resonant frequency. We present some new results of joint ocean-acoustic research, from a dedicated study in the Strait of Messina, where solitary waves are generated by semidiurnal tidal flow over topographic variations. The University of Hamburg weakly nonhydrostatic two layer model is used for simulat- ing the generation and propagation of solitary waves. In particular, the physical states encountered during an October 1995 cruise in the Strait of Messina (between Italy and Sicily) are simulated. Various parameter space sensitivity studies, about the existing cruise conditions, are performed. The modelled solitary wave trains are compared against conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) chain measurements in terms of amplitudes, wavelengths, phase speeds and correlations with data. Pre- dicted and observed sound speeds are used in acoustical intensity calculations that are conducted with a parabolic equation (PE) model. The differences in the resultant acoustical intensity fields provide a guide for the tuning of the oceanographic model parameters. The tuned oceanographic model shows agreement with data for the first and second solitary waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength and phase speed. The calculated available potential energy from the simulation results is in the range of the data analogue.