Mechanisms of Horizontal Circulation Induced by Breaking of Internal Kelvin Waves

Abstract

In enclosed bays, a two-layer system is likely to be formed due to the fresh water from rivers and solar radiation in summer. External forces, such as wind and tide, cause internal waves in a two-layers system, in which the Coriolis effect induces internal Kelvin waves. When internal Kelvin waves propagate over a slope, they break and cause turbulence, which results in the occurrence of horizontal circulation. However, previous studies have not revealed how breaking induces horizontal circulation. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the mechanisms of horizontal circulation induced by the breaking of internal Kelvin waves by using numerical analysis and laboratory experiments.