Shoreward propagation of internal waves at the Malin Shelf edge

A novel analysis method, suitable for first-mode internal waves, is employed to examine moored temperature and current data at the Malin Shelf edge. Current velocity and temperature profile time series data from two moorings at the Malin Shelf edge for a five day period in August 1996 exhibit-high frequency (0.2-3.5 h^-1) variability which is attributed to bursts of internal wave activity. Analysis shows that the predominant direction of propagation direction is shoreward, perpendicular to depth contours. Explicit temporal variability of propagation direction and wave intensity are examined. Internal wave parameters estimated in the analysis are consistent with linear normal mode theory with respect to vertical structure. An independent estimate of phase propagation speed is also consistent with linear theory. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.