Short-Period Internal Waves in the White Sea: in Situ Measurements and Satellite Observations
Kozlov, Igor1; Zimin, Alexey2; Chapron, Bertrand3; Kudryavtsev, Vladimir1; Myasoedov, Alexander1; Atadzhanova, Oksana4; Mohnatkin, Feodor5; Collard, Fabrice3
1SOLab, RSHU, RUSSIAN FEDERATION; 2P.P. Shirshov IO RAS/ RSHU, RUSSIAN FEDERATION; 3IFREMER, FRANCE; 4RSHU, RUSSIAN FEDERATION; 5AARI, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Combined analysis of in situ and satellite data over the White Sea reveals, for the first time, the three dimensional structure and spatio-temporal characteristics of short-period internal waves (IW) in the region. The study combines ship-borne in situ measurements conducted in different regions of the White Sea between 2009-2012 and space-borne Envisat ASAR and Radarsat-2 observations for thermally-stratified period in 2010 and 2012. Analysis of in situ measurements revealed that internal waves in shallow sea areas have amplitudes up to 17 m and correspond to intensive short-period internal waves, whereas for deeper parts only small-amplitude (of the order of 1-2 m) short-period oscilations were registered. Comprehensive analysis of 130 Envisat ASAR images acquired over the sea in summer 2010 reveals main regions of IW generation and propagation, their detailed spatial and temporal characteristics. Most of registered IW occurrences were found in the Throat region boardering the Basin waters, in the vicinity of Solovetsky Archipelago, and in the Dvina Bay. Regular IW observations in particular regions suggest they are of tidal origin. Finally, Radarsat-2 observations made in July-August 2012 allow further analysis and discussion on potential IW generation sources and their propagation properties. Core support of this research was provided by Russian Government via Mega-Grant No. 11.G34.31.0078.