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Three-dimensional island wakes in the field, laboratory experiments and numerical models
Wolanski, E.; Asaeda, T.; Tanaka, A.; Deleersnijder, E. (1996). Three-dimensional island wakes in the field, laboratory experiments and numerical models. Cont. Shelf Res. 16(11): 1437-1452
In: Continental Shelf Research. Pergamon Press: Oxford; New York. ISSN 0278-4343; e-ISSN 1873-6955, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Forces (mechanics) > Friction > Bottom friction
    Laboratories
    Models > Mathematical models
    Modes > Barotropic mode
    Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation > Shelf dynamics
    Motion > Water motion > Vertical water movement > Downwelling
    Motion > Water motion > Vertical water movement > Upwelling > Coastal upwelling
    Topographic features > Landforms > Islands
    Topographic features > Landforms > Islands > Oceanic islands
    Topographic features > Submarine features > Continental shelves
    Wakes
    Water > Shallow water
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Wolanski, E., more
  • Asaeda, T.
  • Tanaka, A.
  • Deleersnijder, E., more

Abstract
    Results of field, laboratory and numerical studies are used to describe the three-dimensional circulation in a barotropic island wake in shallow waters. Bottom friction generates a closed circulation characterized by a strong upwelling (typically 10-20m h super(-1)) in the bulk of the eddy and an even larger downwelling velocity in a narrow zone along the edges of the eddy. This downwelling exists at the solid boundaries of the island and also all along the separation streamline. This circulation can be realistically modeled numerically provided the intense turbulence in the free shear layers is explicitly parameterized. This secondary circulation aggregates buoyant material along the edges of the eddy even in well-mixed coastal waters.

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