Global Internal Waves

Motivation

Internal waves are vertical disturbances in the ocean’s density layers with amplitudes of 10-100 meters and wavelengths of 10-100 kilometers. They are generated when the tides move over underwater ridges or by the winds. The generation, propagation, and dissipation of internal waves is relevant for:

predicting coastal processes,
detiding of satellite altimetry measurements of sea-surface height,
ocean acoustics, and
water-mass mixing, which crucially impacts ocean circulation and ultimately the Earth’s climate

Wave energy flux of tidal internal waves, as derived from satellite
altimetry. The hue shows the energy flux direction, and saturation shows flux magnitude; directional "beams" of internal waves are visible. Our NOPP projects are using data such as this for comparison with global models of internal waves. Credit: edward.d.zaron@oregonstate.edu

A new step forward in the predictability of global internal wave propagation

Our Approach

We will use arrays of field instrumentation (fixed and drifting assets), remote sensing and high-resolution modeling to understand how internal waves propagate in the global ocean

Goals

Our goals are to understand the generation, propagation, and dissipation mechanisms for oceanic internal gravity waves to enable seamless, skillful modeling & forecasts of these internal waves between the deep ocean and the shore.

Predictability of internal tides

Internal tides approaching the continental slope are unpredictable. Our goal is to improve that predictability using a combination of high-resolution observations, remote sensing and high resolution models. Advanced understanding of key processes in modifying and changing the nature of these propagating internal waves is a key focus of this work.

Specifically:

Observations are designed & conducted to cover vast ranges and oceanic regimes,
Field campaigns are organized to take advantage of coincident global observational programs (NASA SWOT mission, GO-SHIP)
High-resolution models are run to track all components (stationary and non-stationary) of internal tides
Simulations of extreme storm events will generate and track internal wave energy