In this study, we investigate the generation of a mean horizontal current observed in laboratory experiments performed at the CORIOLIS facility. We reproduced this experimental setting in numerical simulations performed with the NHOES code. 2D simulations exhibit an along slope sheared mean current which is the opposite of the first harmonic Stokes drift. Hence, no Lagrangian transport is associated with it. On the contrary, we reproduced a large scale horizontal mean flow in 3D simulations. A theory is then proposed which aims at explaining the acceleration of the mean current through de combination of viscous and nonlinear terms acting on the wave field. It turns out that the focusing in the reflection process and the confinement in the transverse direction are key elements of the mean flow generation.
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Accueil > Équipes > Équipe MEIGE > Diffusion scientifique > Séminaires internes
Generation of mean current by nonlinear internal gravity wave reflection
Matthieu Leclair, 07/06/2012
