Internal Solitary Waves in Ice-Covered Waters
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Maths, Statistics and Physics
Abstract
": Internal solitary waves (ISWs) propagate along density interfaces within stably- stratified fluids. They are ubiquitous in the ocean and their properties are influenced strongly by the nature and form of the upper and lower bounding surfaces of the containing basin(s) in which they propagate. As the Arctic Ocean evolves to a seasonally more ice-free state, the ISW field will be affected by the change. The relationship between ISW dynamics and ice is important in understanding
(i) the general circulation and thermodynamics in the Arctic Ocean, (ii) local mixing processes that supply heat and nutrients from depth into upper layers, (iii) how tidal energy is dissipated in the Arctic Ocean, (iv) flexure of sea-ice and (v) formation of ice bands in the marginal ice zone. There is clear interplay between ISWs and sea ice and motivation to study the topic is wide ranging yet very few dedicated investigations exist. The effect of diminishing sea ice cover on the ISW field (and vice versa) is not well established. A better understanding of ISW dynamics in the Arctic Ocean and, in particular, how the ISW field is affected by changes in both ice cover and stratification, is central in understanding how the rapidly changing Arctic will adapt to climate change.
In this PhD research project, the fluid dynamics of ISWs propagating under varying surface conditions will be studied through laboratory experiments. The PhD student will be trained in the generation, visualisation and measurement of ISWs in a new purpose-built wave flume at Newcastle University. In addition, there will be opportunities for the candidate to undertake (i) numerical simulation of the flow (in collaboration with Prof D G Dritschel, St Andrews University) and/or (ii) field work in the Arctic (in collaboration with Prof Tom Rippeth, Bangor University). The student will gain valuable skills in experimental fluid dynamics including flow visualisation and measurement via Particle Image Velocimetry, micro-conductivity sensors and time series analysis. They will also have the opportunity to broaden their training into areas of numerical analysis (using contour advection and pseudo spectral techniques) and field work; giving them a broad skill set and training across disciplines.
"
(i) the general circulation and thermodynamics in the Arctic Ocean, (ii) local mixing processes that supply heat and nutrients from depth into upper layers, (iii) how tidal energy is dissipated in the Arctic Ocean, (iv) flexure of sea-ice and (v) formation of ice bands in the marginal ice zone. There is clear interplay between ISWs and sea ice and motivation to study the topic is wide ranging yet very few dedicated investigations exist. The effect of diminishing sea ice cover on the ISW field (and vice versa) is not well established. A better understanding of ISW dynamics in the Arctic Ocean and, in particular, how the ISW field is affected by changes in both ice cover and stratification, is central in understanding how the rapidly changing Arctic will adapt to climate change.
In this PhD research project, the fluid dynamics of ISWs propagating under varying surface conditions will be studied through laboratory experiments. The PhD student will be trained in the generation, visualisation and measurement of ISWs in a new purpose-built wave flume at Newcastle University. In addition, there will be opportunities for the candidate to undertake (i) numerical simulation of the flow (in collaboration with Prof D G Dritschel, St Andrews University) and/or (ii) field work in the Arctic (in collaboration with Prof Tom Rippeth, Bangor University). The student will gain valuable skills in experimental fluid dynamics including flow visualisation and measurement via Particle Image Velocimetry, micro-conductivity sensors and time series analysis. They will also have the opportunity to broaden their training into areas of numerical analysis (using contour advection and pseudo spectral techniques) and field work; giving them a broad skill set and training across disciplines.
"
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Magda Carr (Primary Supervisor) | |
Samuel Hartharn-Evans (Student) |
Publications
Hartharn-Evans S
(2021)
Stratification effects on shoaling internal solitary waves
in Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Hartharn-Evans S
(2021)
Stratification effects on shoaling Internal Solitary Waves
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NE/S007512/1 | 30/09/2019 | 29/09/2028 | |||
2287120 | Studentship | NE/S007512/1 | 30/09/2019 | 29/09/2023 | Samuel Hartharn-Evans |
Description | So far, the project has identified the role of stratification in setting the dynamics of internal solitary waves (waves that travel along density interfaces within the water column) as they pass over a slope (shoaling). Shoaling and passing over topographic features is one of the key ways in which these internal waves dissipate energy and contribute to mixing. Specifically, we found that the presence of density at the lower boundary layer, or across the upper layer can inhibit the development of certain breaking dynamics, which in turn impacts on the mixing, dissipation and transports associated with the event. |
Exploitation Route | Considering the roles of more realistic stratifications (and most specifically realistic variability in stratifications) will improve understanding of how internal waves behave in the real world. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Environment |
Title | Stratification effects on shoaling Internal Solitary Waves |
Description | Combination of laboratory and numerical data for the "Stratification effects on shoaling Internal Solitary Waves" study. This combined numerical/laboratory study investigated the effect of stratification form on the shoaling characteristics of internal solitary waves propagating over a smooth, linear topographic slope. It was found that the form of stratification affects the breaking type associated with the shoaling wave. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | N/a |
URL | https://doi.org/10.25405/data.ncl.c.5619616.v1 |