ORCID
- Vasiliy Vlasenko: 0000-0002-1889-5493
Abstract
Strong three-dimensional focusing of internal tidal energy in the Petite Sole Canyon in the Celtic Sea is analyzed using observational data and numerical modeling. In a deep layer (500-800 m) in the center of the canyon, shear variance was elevated by an order of magnitude. Corresponding large vertical oscillations of deep isotherms and a local maximum of horizontal velocity were replicated numerically using the MITgcm. The elevated internal tidal activity in the deep part of the canyon is explained in terms of the downward propagation and focusing of multiple internal tidal beams generated at the shelf break. The near-circular shape of the canyon head and steep bottom topography throughout the canyon (steeper than the tidal beam) create favorable conditions for the lens-like focusing of tidal energy in the canyon's center. Observations and modeling show that the energy focusing greatly intensifies local diapycnal mixing that leads to local formation of a baroclinic eddy.
DOI
10.1002/2015JC011314
Publication Date
2016-04-01
Publication Title
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
Volume
121
Issue
4
ISSN
2169-9275
Keywords
canyon, internal tide, mixing
First Page
2824
Last Page
2840
Recommended Citation
Vlasenko, V., Stashchuk, N., Inall, M., Porter, M., & Aleynik, D. (2016) 'Focusing of baroclinic tidal energy in a canyon', Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 121(4), pp. 2824-2840. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JC011314
