Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Internal tides serve as essential intermediate steps in the cascading of oceanic energy, playing a crucial role in oceanic mixing. M2 internal tides are the dominant tidal constituent in many oceanic regions, significantly influencing ocean dynamics. The Madagascar–Mascarene Region has high-energy internal tides, but due to a lack of observational studies, their propagation remains underexplored and warrants further investigation. In this study, we used satellite altimetry data to capture the sea surface manifestation of the first-mode M2 internal tides in the region. The results show that the Mascarene Plateau plays a key role in shaping the region’s uneven internal tide distribution. The Mascarene Strait is the most intense generation area, with an east-west energy flux of 1.42 GW. Using the internal tidal energy concentration index, we decomposed the internal tidal beams, finding the primary beam oriented at 148°. These beams propagate outward for over 800 km, with a maximum distance exceeding 1000 km. Geostrophic currents intensify the northward refraction of westward-propagating internal tides in the Mascarene Basin, particularly between 15°S and 20°S.
Source: Remote Sensing
DOI: 10.3390/rs16224299
Authors: Qian Wu, Jing Meng, Xu Chen, Yulin Guo
Institutions: Ocean University of China, Laoshan Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,069
OpenAlex ID: W4404501578