Energy spectra of the ocean's internal wave field: theory and observations

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the high-frequency limit of the Garrett and Munk spectrum of ocean internal waves aligns with wave turbulence theory, showing it as an exact steady state solution of the kinetic equation.

Contribution

It links ocean internal wave spectra to wave turbulence theory, providing a theoretical foundation for observed spectral deviations.

Findings

High-frequency Garrett and Munk spectrum matches wave turbulence predictions.

The spectrum is an exact steady state solution of the kinetic equation.

Observed deviations from the spectrum are explained by wave turbulence theory.

Abstract

The high-frequency limit of the Garrett and Munk spectrum of internal waves in the ocean and the observed deviations from it are shown to form a pattern consistent with the predictions of wave turbulence theory. In particular, the high frequency limit of the Garrett and Munk spectrum constitutes an {\it exact} steady state solution of the corresponding kinetic equation.