From internal waves to turbulence in a stably stratified fluid
File(s)PhysRevLett.131.264101.pdf (2.25 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report on the statistical analysis of stratified turbulence forced by large-scale waves. The setup mimics some features of the tidal forcing of turbulence in the ocean interior at submesoscales. Our experiments are performed in the large-scale Coriolis facility in Grenoble which is 13 m in diameter and 1 m deep. Four wave makers excite large-scale waves of moderate amplitude. In addition to weak internal wave turbulence at large scales, we observe strongly nonlinear waves, the breaking of which triggers intermittently strong turbulence at small scales. A transition to strongly nonlinear turbulence is observed at smaller scales. Our measurements are reminiscent of oceanic observations. Despite similarities with the empirical Garrett and Munk spectrum that assumes weak wave turbulence, our observed energy spectra are rather to be attributed to strongly nonlinear internal waves.
Date Issued
2023-12-29
Date Acceptance
2023-11-22
Citation
Physical Review Letters, 2023, 131 (26)
ISSN
0031-9007
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review Letters
Volume
131
Issue
26
Copyright Statement
© 2023 American Physical Society. Rodda, Costanza, et al. "From internal waves to turbulence in a stably stratified fluid." Physical Review Letters 131.26 (2023): 264101.
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38215376
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Article Number
264101
Date Publish Online
2023-12-26