Comparisons to Linear Tidal Data

Analysis of tides and internal waves from model studies in the South China Sea is done using three techniques. We summarize results from standard Fourier methods, continuous wavelet analysis and the direct scattering transform. Because the Fourier and wavelet analysis are inherently linear methods their utility in application to nonlinear dynamics is often questioned. Nevertheless, they have shown to be useful in delineating first order dynamics (for example finding fundamental modes). On the other hand the scattering transform, sometimes described as a 'nonlinear Fourier' technique, can in some cases succeed in elucidating nonlinear dynamics where linear methods have proven less successful. We apply these procedures to model results from Lamb's 2D non-hydrostatic model applied to the South China Sea and in some cases the multi-component tides used to force the Lamb model.