arXiv · nlin/0105007
Hamiltonian formalism and the Garrett-Munk spectrum of internal waves in the ocean
Abstract
Wave turbulence formalism for long internal waves in a stratified fluid is developed, based on a natural Hamiltonian description. A kinetic equation appropriate for the description of spectral energy transfer is derived, and its self-similar stationary solution corresponding to a direct cascade of energy toward the short scales is found. This solution is very close to the high wavenumber limit of the Garrett-Munk spectrum of long internal waves in the ocean. In fact, a small modification of the Garrett-Munk formalism includes a spectrum consistent with the one predicted by wave turbulence.
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Yuri V. Lvov, Esteban G. Tabak. 2003-02-22. Hamiltonian formalism and the Garrett-Munk spectrum of internal waves in the ocean. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.87.168501
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