Mixing by Oceanic Lee Waves

Oceanic lee waves are generated in the deep stratified ocean by flow of currents over sea floor topography, and when they break, can lead to mixing stably interior. While theory linear is well established, nonlinear mechanisms leading still under investigation. Tidally driven have long been observed ocean, along with associated mixing, but observations forced geostrophic eddies relatively sparse largely indirect. Parameterizations due now being developed implemented climate models. This review summarizes current wave generation breaking, distinguishing between steady tidally oscillating forcing. The existing parameterizations wave–driven informed outlined, impacts parameterized on simulations large-scale circulation summarized.