Interleaving intrusions produced by internal waves: a laboratory experiment

摘要: A statically stable stratified water column that also contains horizontal property contrasts (either of passive tracer alone or two dynamically active solutes) is generated and continuously maintained for a long period by releasing turbulent buoyant plumes equal buoyancy fluxes into opposite ends channel water. The bottom outflows from the excite internal gravity waves produce series counter-flowing quasi-horizontal shear layers which are quasi-stationary relative to box but whose phase propagates downward through upward-moving column. We report flow further involves an oscillation associated with gives rise sequence interleaving intrusions across gradient region. wave-driven advected upward ‘filling-box’ circulation have appearance spatially growing instability. examined in cases having no differences other than tracer. In experiments where one plume salt solution sugar solution, there vigorous double-diffusive convection on intrusions, including fingering diffusive density interfaces, this has only weak influence intrusion thicknesses velocities. conclude under all conditions attained these experiments, driven not gradients, we infer wave-generated enhance fluxes.