Studies of Internal Waves in the Strait of Georgia Based on Remote Sensing Images

Abstract

This paper analyzes over 500 sets of internal waves in the Strait of Georgia (British Columbia, Canada) based on a large number of satellite remote sensing images. The spatial and temporal distribution of internal waves in the central region of the strait are discussed via statistical analysis. Possible generation origins of the observed internal waves are divided into three categories based on their different propagation directions and geographical locations: (1) the interaction between the narrow channels to the south of the Strait and the tidal currents, leading to the formation of mainly eastward and northward propagating waves; (2) the interaction between the tidal currents and the topography near Point Roberts, resulting in mainly westward propagating waves; (3) excitation by river plume, mainly near Fraser River mouth, leading to the formation of mainly westward waves along the direction of the river plume. The relation between the occurrence of internal waves in remote sensing images and wind or tide level is also discussed. It is found that most of the observed internal waves occur at low tides. However, due to the influence of the river, the eastward propagating internal waves near the river mouth seldom occur at the lowest tide. Also, internal waves are captured more easily by remote sensing images in summer due to the lower wind speed than winter and therefore the seasonal distribution of internal waves in remote sensing images may not be able to completely represent the real situation in the study area. Finally, combining the in situ measured data and model output data, the Benjamin-Ono equation is found to satisfyingly simulate the characteristic parameters of the studied internal waves.

Keywords

• Internal waves
• satellite remote sensing
• Benjamin-Ono equation
• the Strait of Georgia