The focusing of short internal waves by an inertial wave
- 1 October 1984
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Vol. 30 (3) , 199-225
- https://doi.org/10.1080/03091928408222850
Abstract
Ray calculations are used to examine short-wave propagation through an inertial current. The results exhibit differences from theories of short-wave refraction based on steady shears. Caustics take the place of critical layers as the locations of ray focusings and form for short waves at all intrinsic frequencies and at all phases of the inertial oscillation. Conversely, short waves that refract to, and remain at, high vertical wavenumber can escape instability altogether. Similarities with the steady-shear model of Hartman (1975) and contrasts with the Taylor-Goldstein model are emphasised. Checks on the validity of the slowly-varying approximation are also made.Keywords
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