On the generation of internal gravity waves by a fluctuating buoyancy flux at the sea surface

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Abstract
The influence of a fluctuating buoyancy flux at the surface of a linearly stratified sea is studied by means of boundary layer theory. It is shown that these fluctuations cause fluctuating horizontal motions in the top boundary layer. The horizontal divergence of these motions generates vertical motion (Ekman suction) which causes internal gravity waves in the interior of the sea. The amplitudes of these waves are computed in terms of density fluctuations at the sea surface. In case of resonance the growth rate of the amplitude of the resonant wave is obtained. The geophysical significance of this generating mechanism is discussed by comparison with the generation of internal waves by a fluctuating wind field. It seems that the effect of a fluctuating buoyancy flux must not be neglected though it cannot compete with the effect of strong winds.

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