Scattering of Continental shelf waves by longshore variations in bottom topography

Journal Article · Wed Feb 20 04:00:00 EST 1980 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC085iC02p01147· OSTI ID:5450542

Hsueh, Y

Forward scattering of continental shelf waves due to the presence of longshore topographic variations on scales comparable to those of the shelf waves is investigated. It is established that for variations for which distances from isobaths to the shore remain a fixed fraction of the local shelf width, no scattering could occur, even though the amplitude of such variation may be finite. Only deviations from shelf-similar depth profiles cause scattering which, for an exponentially deepening shelf, is likely to be limited to the lowest couple of shelf wave modes. The scattering gives rise to cross-shelf differences in the arrival time of flow events at points 'forward' from a topographic irregularity. The rate of this phase change (approx.1.5/sup 0/ km/sup -1/) for a topographic feature of moderate amplitude appears to be comparable to that observed.

• Research Organization: Department of Oceanography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
• OSTI ID: 5450542
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 85:C2; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580500* -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
COASTAL WATERS
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
CURRENTS
FLUID FLOW
SURFACE WATERS
TOPOGRAPHY
VORTEX FLOW
WATER CURRENTS
WATER WAVES
WAVE PROPAGATION