Lee wave generation rates in the deep ocean. Issue 7 (2nd April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wright, Corwin J.; Scott, Robert B.; Ailliot, Pierre; Furnival, Darran
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 41:Issue 7(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 2434
• Page End: 2440
• Publication Date: 2014-04-02
• Subjects: lee waves -- deep ocean -- current meters; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2013GL059087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract : Using the world's largest data set of in situ ocean current measurements, combined with a high‐resolution topography roughness data set, we use a model‐assisted hierarchical clustering methodology to estimate the global lee wave generation rate at the ocean floor. Our analysis suggests that internal wave generation contributes 0.75±0.19 TW (±2 standard deviation) to the oceanic energy budget but with a strong dependence on the Brunt‐Väisäla (buoyancy) frequency climatology used. This estimate is higher than previous calculations and suggests that internal wave generation may be a much more significant contributor to the global oceanic mechanical energy budget than had previously been assumed. Our results imply that lee wave generation and propagation may be a dominant sink of at least half and potentially the overwhelming majority of ocean surface wind work on the geostrophic circulation. Key Points: Internal wave generation may contribute 0.75±0.19 TW to oceanic energy budget This estimate is much higher than previous calculations Implies lee wave generation may be a dominant sink of wind work on surface