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Evolution of inertial frequency oscillations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2006

Ronald Smith
Affiliation:
Fluid Mechanics Research Institute, University of Essex, Colchester

Abstract

Approximate equations are derived for the slow variation in amplitude of free oscillations at the inertial frequency in a slightly stratified ocean. In an ocean of constant depth with horizontally uniform stratification the evolution equation for waves of small vertical mode number can be reduced to a Schrödinger equation, with the increment in Coriolis parameter playing the role of the potential. An exact solution of the Schrödinger equation is presented which demonstrates the transience of inertial oscillations.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1973 Cambridge University Press

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