Nonlinear theory of gravity waves: momentum deposition, generalized Rayleigh friction, and diffusion.

Abstract

A nonlinear theory of internal gravity waves is extended to slowly varying mean winds u0. This theory determines the wave amplitudes, enhanced diffusion and momentum deposition, for a broad spectrum of waves as well as for a single wave. It is shown that the momentum deposition is not constant with altitude, even above the altitude where a wave saturates (breaks). The deposition is seen to decrease as a critical level is approached.-from Author