A Numerical Study on the Breaking of Internal Solitary Waves in the Southern Red Sea

Satellite observations recently revealed trains of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the off-shelf region between 16.0°N and 16.5°N in the southern Red Sea. Analysis of satellite images shows that the amplitude of these ISWs varies from 50 to 75 meters. The breaking of the ISWs brings a significant source of turbulence, leading to mixing and particle transport on the boundaries, which is of great importance to the ecosystem. Using a three-dimensional, non-hydrostatic and high resolution MIT general circulation model, we investigated the fate of the ISWs in the southern Red Sea. Based on the model simulations, we analyzed the different stages of the interaction process between ISWs and the topography. As observed by the satellite images, some ISWs were obstructed and reflected by the steep slope on the boundaries with a strong mixing and dissipating over the slope. Two types of instabilities, convective instability and shear instability, that lead to the ISWs’ breakings have been identified. The breaking of internal waves has been identified as a plankton pumping to the coral reef. We conducted particle releases experiments to explore tracer method to explore how the transport of plankton or larvae could be influenced by the breaking of the ISWs.