Abstract
In stratified flow, breaking of internal waves over slopes induces
resuspension of bottom sediments and transport of mass. When internal
waves shoal and break, flow dynamics and mass transport differ greatly
according to whether the Coriolis force is included or neglected.
Despite its importance, the currents generated by breaking internal
Kelvin waves remain uninvestigated. Therefore, this study considers
breaking of internal waves over a uniform slope under Coriolis with
equivalent upper- and lower-layer depths. Laboratory experiments, using
a 6.0 m rotating tank, were undertaken to visualize currents using
Particle Image Velocimetry. Experimental data validated a
three-dimensional fluid dynamics model, in-which a coastal-jet was
simulated to occur at the lateral wall (to the right) of the progressive
internal Kelvin waves in the breaking zone; with generation of an
oblique downslope return flow (downdraft) under Coriolis. The
coastal-jet was driven by the geostrophic balance, and the equation for
estimating the residual current, due to the jet, was formulated. The
results provide insight on mass transport in lakeshore and coastal
zones.