Gravity wave

Waves

wave clouds

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Satellite view of the Shark Bay (cropped)

Gravity waves are oscillations in a fluid medium or at the interface between two media where the restoring force is provided by gravity. These waves can occur in various contexts, such as in the atmosphere, oceans, and lakes. The concept of gravity waves is significant in fields such as meteorology, oceanography, and physics, providing insights into various natural phenomena and their underlying mechanisms.

Overview

Gravity waves manifest when a fluid element is displaced from its equilibrium position in a gravitational field. The gravity acts as the restoring force, attempting to return the fluid element to equilibrium, thus generating waves. In the atmosphere, these waves can result from airflow over mountain ranges, instabilities in air masses, or frontal systems. In bodies of water, they are commonly observed as surface waves generated by wind, changes in underwater topography, or the displacement of water masses.

Characteristics

The characteristics of gravity waves include their wavelength, amplitude, phase speed, and frequency. These properties depend on the fluid density, the depth of the fluid layer (in the case of oceans and lakes), and the strength of the gravitational field. Gravity waves can range from small ripples on a pond to large-scale waves in the ocean and atmospheric waves that span hundreds of kilometers.

Types of Gravity Waves

Atmospheric Gravity Waves

In the atmosphere, gravity waves play a crucial role in transferring momentum and energy between different layers. They can influence weather patterns and the global climate system. Atmospheric gravity waves can be generated by storms, convection, or the flow of air over mountainous terrain.

Oceanic Gravity Waves

In the ocean, gravity waves include surface waves and internal waves. Surface waves are visible waves on the ocean surface, while internal waves occur within the water body, at the interface of layers with different densities. These waves are significant in ocean circulation and mixing processes.

Other Forms

Gravity waves can also occur in other contexts, such as in lakes or as large-scale waves in the Earth's molten outer core, driven by gravitational interactions and density differences.

Mathematical Description

The mathematical analysis of gravity waves involves solving the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid dynamics under the influence of gravity. Simplifications and approximations, such as the shallow water equations, are often used for practical calculations.

Observation and Study

Gravity waves are studied through a combination of theoretical analysis, observations, and numerical modeling. In the atmosphere, they can be observed using weather balloons, radar, and satellites. In oceans, buoys, ships, and satellites are used to measure wave characteristics.

Impact

Gravity waves have a significant impact on weather, climate, and marine environments. They can contribute to the mixing of the atmospheric layers, influence ocean circulation patterns, and affect the distribution of nutrients and organisms in marine ecosystems.

See Also

• Waves
• Fluid dynamics
• Atmospheric dynamics
• Oceanography