Stratified Fluids as a Model of Geophysical Systems

Physics

Bell, Clayton

Jia, Edward

Wu, Sili

Rodenborn, Bruce (Mentor)

English

Many geophysical fluid systems have a density that varies as a function of height. For example, both the Earth’s ocean and atmosphere are such stratified fluids. The density variation allows for a special type of wave, called internal waves, to propagate within the fluid. In the ocean, these waves are hidden, but in the atmosphere, we often see clouds that appear in bands, which is evidence of internal waves propagating in the atmosphere. The Rodenborn lab studies these systems using laboratory experiments where the density is varied using a salt solution and the motion of the fluid is measured using cameras and laser illumination. We present interesting results that may help explain why continental slopes are eroded to a particular angle throughout the world. We also discuss how density variation affects the stability of the fluid, which is relevant to how planets first form.