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Numerical simulation of internal tides and the resulting energetics within Monterey Bay and the surrounding area
Author(s) -
Jachec S. M.,
Fringer O. B.,
Gerritsen M. G.,
Street R. L.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2006gl026314
Subject(s) - barotropic fluid , internal wave , seiche , baroclinity , internal tide , geology , bathymetry , tidal power , dissipation , submarine canyon , bay , ridge , oceanography , energy flux , continental shelf , physics , astronomy , ecology , paleontology , biology , thermodynamics
We use a three‐dimensional nonhydrostatic unstructured‐grid code to simulate internal tides within Monterey Bay. The predicted water surface, barotropic and baroclinic velocities, and internal tides in the greater coastal region agree with observations. The agreement is due to the use of a high‐resolution mesh, alongshore prescription of the barotropic M 2 tidal velocities, and specification of initial conditions consistent with field data. Results of depth‐integrated, M 2 ‐period‐averaged energy flux and energy flux divergence are presented in order to identify locations of significant internal wave generation and dissipation. Based on the results, there is a domain‐wide power surplus of +52 MW due to internal tides that is available for pelagic mixing, yet isolated bathymetric features, such as Monterey Submarine Canyon and Smooth Ridge, are net dissipative, with dissipation rates of −8.3 and −1.5 MW, respectively.