The diffraction of internal waves by a semi-infinite barrier

Abstract

We discuss the diffraction of internal waves by a semi-infinite vertical barrier in a uniformly rotating, stably stratified fluid of constant depth and Brunt–Väisälä frequency. N, For the frequency passband f < σ < N, where f and σ are respectively the inertial and wave frequencies, the presence of rotation gives rise to internal Kelvin waves which propagate without attenuation along the barrier. For the passband N < σ < f, however, the barrier generates waves which propagate without attenuation away from the barrier and which have amplitudes that fall off exponentially in the direction along the barrier.