On shelf-edge front

Internal waves: On shelf-edge front

Observations reveal a geostrophic flow associated with a frontal region in the North Sea. Tidal advection of such a front may result in observed signals that might superficially be interpreted as free internal waves. When the sea is shallow, such as over shallow continental shelves, wind and tides mix the whole water column. At the edge of this, a shelf edge frontal region often exists, consisting of a bottom-to-surface front, which bounds an adjacent, oceanic water mass. This front behaves like a clamped string, and permits internal tides as standing waves.

Publications:
Ou, H.W., Maas, L.R.M. (1988) Tides near a shelf-slope front. Continental Shelf Research, 8: 729-736. Aken, H.M. van, Heijst, G.J.F. van, Maas, L.R.M. (1987) Observations of fronts in the North Sea. Journal of Marine Research, 45: 579-600. Haren, J.J.M. van, Maas, L.R.M. (1987) Temperature and current fluctuations due to tidal advection of a front. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research, 21: 79-94.