Nearshore generation of internal waves at a coastal front by winds

Internal waves (IW) are important features of coastal ocean dynamics and can have profound effects on coastal ecosystems. Internal waves observed on the continental shelf are often from remote sources. However, local stratification and forcing may also generate significant internal wave activity. In this study, we are investigating the generation of internal waves in the nearshore coastal oceans by interactions between a surface front and local winds. We are using the Stanford Unstructured Non-hydrostatic Terrain-following Adaptive Navier–Stokes Simulator (SUNTANS). The model domain is a two-dimensional grid with an idealized nearshore bathymetry, a nearshore surface density front. The model is forced at the surface by a diurnal cross-shelf and along-shelf winds. Results of the model suggest that internal wave generation might be possible under moderate-to-strong winds. These results have important ramifications for understanding how internal waves affect coastal ocean circulation.