Observed Internal Tide Energy Fluxes in the Tasman Tidal Dissipation Experiment

Olavo Badaro Marques, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, United States and Matthew H Alford, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
Abstract:
Low mode internal tides propagate across long distances in the ocean and the location of their energy dissipation has important
consequences for ocean circulation. The Tasman Tidal Dissipation Experiment (TTIDE) was designed to evaluate the fate of the internal
tide as it approaches a continental slope and the involved dissipation mechanisms. The observational component of TTIDE included mooring,
glider and ship-based observations for over 2 months off Tasmania, where strong internal tides are expected to impinge on the continental
slope. Observed amplitudes of internal semidiurnal and diurnal tidal currents are of 0.3 m s-1. Results from CTD and LADCP casts over a
tidal cycle in 2500 meters of water column show an onshore energy flux of 3 kW m-1. Tidal energy fluxes results of ongoing analysis of mooring
and ship-based data on the Tasman slope and the deep ocean will be presented.
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