LONG-TERM GOALS The goal of this project is to understand processes relevant to the generation, propagation and dissipation of finite-amplitude internal solitary waves observed in the region from the Luzon Strait to the Chinese continental shelf. OBJECTIVES With data available from field observations in Non-Linear Internal Wave Initiative (NLIWI), this project is to perform simulation of finite-amplitude internal solitary waves under realistic scenarios in the northern South China Sea. The

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... tive is to provide information on the characteristics of nonlinear internal waves for comparison with data collected from remote sensing, mooring measurements, and shipboard observations. APPROACH Processes of wave generation, propagation and dissipation are studied by numerical simulation using a nonhydrostatic ocean model under different scenarios of bottom topography and stratification. Experiments include wave generation by ridges in the Luzon Strait and by density fronts, wave propagation across the deep basin with a shoaling thermocline, wave reflection and diffraction near the Dongsha Island, wave generation and dissipation on the continental slope, and characteristics of higher-mode waves. WORK COMPLETED Work in the following three categories has been completed in the past year.