Internal Waves in the Strait of Hormuz using Sentinel-1 radar images
نویسندگان
1 Tarbiat Modares University
2 Assistant Professor, Atmospheric Exploration Department, Institute of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
3 INIOAS
4 Tarbiat Modares University
doi
10.22034/ijcoe.2023.418738.1042چکیده
Internal waves (IWs) are oscillations of the water column that occur at the interface between two layers of different densities. They play an important role in ocean dynamics, mixing, and biogeochemical processes. However, IWs are difficult to observe and measure in situ, especially in complex and narrow regions such as the Strait of Hormuz. This study uses bathymetric data and over 100 satellite and radar images from different sensors and platforms to investigate the occurrence and behavior of IWs in the Strait of Hormuz. The results show that IWs are persistent in this area due to the interaction of the internal current with the steep slope of the strait. The waves emerge in shallow waters near the coasts of Iran and Oman, but they change their direction and location when they reach the continental shelf. The leading crest of IWs has a length ranging from 10 to 20 km, and the wavelength varies from 1 to 3 km. The study confirms the findings of previous numerical simulations of internal wave generation and propagation in this region. It also suggests that the bathymetry is the main factor influencing IWs in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than water column stratification. This study provides new insights into the spatial and temporal characteristics of IWs in the Strait of Hormuz, which can help improve the understanding and modeling of ocean circulation and ecology in this region.