The propagation of continental shelf waves
- 4 June 1968
- journal article
- Published by The Royal Society in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Vol. 305 (1481), 235-250
- https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.1968.0115
Abstract
Taking the case of a continental shelf of exponential slope, and assuming zero horizontal divergence, the authors derive a simple theory of free shelf waves, which, however, is more general than previous theories in that shorter as well as longer waves (in comparison with previous work) are taken into account. The properties of the waves are discussed, and the dispersion curves for each mode are obtained. Although the phase velocities of shelf waves are always in the same sense as those of Kelvin waves, there is a negative group velocity for a range of wavelengths, indicating that energy can propagate in the opposite sense. A similar approach is used to derive a theory for free waves propagating on a shelf between two regions of constant depth. The limiting case of a shelf of zero width is also considered, and is compared with a limiting case of the 'double-Kelvin' waves discovered by Longuet-Higgins (1967).Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Continental shelf waves and the effects of atmospheric pressure and wind stress on sea levelJournal of Geophysical Research, 1966
- Continental shelf waves and the response of sea level to weather systemsJournal of Geophysical Research, 1964
- The spectrums of mean sea level at Sydney, Coff's Harbour, and Lord Howe IslandJournal of Geophysical Research, 1962