Investigations of Internal Waves Around Steep Slopes and Their Influence on Convergence Zone Formation

Research proposed herein will provide important insight into design and development of an array data collection system that will lead to better understanding into phenomena of internal wave interactions with steep slopes and resulting affects on convergence zone formation as well as municipal outfall design, thereby providing a strong dual-use research initiative. Convergence zone behavior and municipal wastewater outfall design and performance rely on characteristics of the density gradient, which is influenced as internal waves interact with steep slopes. Internal waves with tidal and subtidal frequencies willproduce vertical displacements of isothermals that result in diurnal density profile changes, and as a consequence, alter sound channel characteristics and convergence zone stability.