Author(s): Luisa Ottolenghi; Claudia Adduce; Giovanni La Forgia
Linked Author(s): Claudia Adduce
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: We investigate by three-dimensional large eddy simulations (LESs) the generation of internal solitary waves (ISWs) by intrusive gravity currents (IGCs), and their subsequent interaction. The numerical domain was set in order to release a uniform fluid in a three-layer stratified ambient, triggering pycnoclines displacements. The intrusion, indeed, induces the generation of a train of ISWs that propagates downstream. During the simulations, each ISW is completely reflected by the vertical wall placed at the end of the domain. This allowed us to study the interaction between the IGC and the reflected, upstream-propagating ISWs. By adopting different initial settings, we analyze the influence of the ambient stratification on entrainment of ambient water into the intermediate layer and on the induced mixing.
Year: 2022