Nonlinear Dynamics of Gravity Wave Driven Flows in the Solar Radiative Interior

TL;DR

This paper uses nonlinear simulations to study gravity wave-driven flows in the solar interior, revealing complex wave interactions and limitations of quasi-linear assumptions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the importance of nonlinear wave interactions and critical layers in gravity wave-driven flows within the solar radiative interior.

Findings

Critical layers form and influence flow dynamics.

Nonlinear wave interactions can reduce mean flow maintenance.

Quasi-linear theory assumptions are often invalid.

Abstract

We present results of nonlinear numerical simulations of gravity wave driven shear flow oscillations in the equatorial plane of the solar radiative interior. These results show that many of the assumptions of quasi-linear theory are not valid. When only two waves are forced (prograde and retrograde) oscillatory mean flow is maintained; but critical layers often form and are dynamically important. When a spectrum of waves is forced, the non-linear wave-wave interactions are dynamically important, often acting to decrease the maintenance of a mean flow. The (in)coherence of such wave-wave interactions must be taken into account when describing wave driven mean flows.