Abstract
In the thermostratified tank of the overall dimensions L:B:H = 18:4:2 m full-scale laboratory modeling of interaction of internal waves with a shelf's model at the depths corresponding to 60 - 80 m in natural conditions is performed. Spatial and frequency transformations of horizontal and vertical structure of an internal wave field as a result of propagation of periodic internal waves along a shelf edge with a flat and inclined bottom are investigated. Frequencies of the internal waves produced by a wave-maker in the pycnocline correspond to the natural ones. The coefficient of geometrical similarity of an internal wave field and the vertical seasonal pycnocline KL = 1:100 is provided. The depth of the laboratory installation of 2 m provides modeling of natural conditions at the depths up to 200 meters.
Results of the study can be applied to forecasting of nature of distribution of oil spills in a shelf zone under the influence of an internal wave field in the seasonal pycnocline. Including water areas covered with ice for a long time.
As a result of restoration of a three-dimensional wave field by contact measurements the formation of narrow wave packages while periodic wave system propagation along a shelf is revealed.
The analysis of dispersive dependences over an inclined bottom showed existence of physical preconditions for evolution of vertical structure of a field of internal waves. That leads to an intensive vertical mass exchange between liquid layers within the pycnocline.
Similar model experiments weren't made earlier.
Results of researches open physical features of process of a horizontal and vertical mass transfer in non-uniform liquid on density at interaction of internal waves with a bottom profile in a shelf zone.
