Near-inertial wave critical layers over sloping bathymetry

This study describes a specific type of critical layer for near-inertial waves (NIWs) that forms when isopycnals run parallel to sloping bathymetry. Upon entering this slantwise layer, the group velocity decreases zero and NIWs become trapped amplified, which can enhance mixing. A realistic simulation anticyclonic eddies on Texas-Louisiana shelf reveals such layers form where impinge onto bottom. Velocity shear bands in indicate wind-forced are radiated downward from surface eddies, bend upward near bottom, enter over continental shelf, resulting inertially-modulated enhanced Idealized simulations designed capture flow reproduce wave propagation The link between mixing trapping is made using ray-tracing an analysis waves' energetics idealized simulations. An ensemble performed spanning relevant parameter space demonstrates strength correlated with degree layers. While application here shallow coastal setting, mechanisms could be active open ocean as well align