The dynamics of internal gravity waves in the ocean: theory and applications

Abstract

In this paper we consider fundamental processes of the disturbance and propagation of internal gravity waves in the ocean modeled as a vertically stratified, horizontally non-uniform, and non-stationary medium. We develop asymptotic methods for describing the wave dynamics by generalizing the spatiotemporal ray-tracing method (a geometrical optics method). We present analytical and numerical algorithms for calculating the internal gravity wave fields using actual ocean parameters such as physical characteristics of the sea water, topography of its floor, etc. We demonstrate that our mathematical models can realistically describe the internal gravity wave dynamics in the ocean. Our numerical and analytical results show that the internal gravity waves have a significant impact on underwater objects in the ocean.