Wave reflection and transmission at interface of convective and stably stratified regions in a rotating star or planet

TL;DR

This study models wave reflection and transmission at the interface between convective and stratified regions in rotating stars or planets, revealing that rotation rate significantly influences wave energy transfer.

Contribution

It introduces a simplified model analyzing wave behavior at the interface, considering various configurations and the effect of rotation on wave transmission.

Findings

Wave transmission depends on buoyancy to rotational frequency ratio.

Rapid rotation facilitates wave energy transmission across the interface.

Slow rotation inhibits wave transmission.

Abstract

We use a simplified model to study wave reflection and transmission at interface of convective region and stably stratified region (e.g. radiative zone in star or stratification layer in gaseous planet). Inertial wave in convective region and gravito-inertial wave in stably stratified region are considered. We begin with polar area and then extend to any latitude. Six cases are discussed (see Table 1), and in Case 2 both waves co-exist in both regions. Four configurations are further discussed for Case 2. The angles and energy ratios of wave reflection and transmission are calculated. It is found that wave propagation and transmission depend on the ratio of buoyancy frequency to rotational frequency. In a rapidly rotating star or planet wave propagates across interface and most of energy of incident wave is transmitted to the other region, but in a slowly rotating star or planet wave transmission is inhibited.