Wave Reflection and Transmission at the Interface of Convective and Stably Stratified Regions in a Rotating Star or Planet

Abstract

We use a simplified model to study wave reflection and transmission at the interface of the convective region and stably stratified region (e.g., radiative zone in a star or stratification layer in a gaseous planet). The inertial wave in the convective region and gravito-inertial wave in the stably stratified region are considered. We begin with the polar area and then extend to any latitude. Six cases are discussed (see Table 1), and in Case 2 both waves co-exist in both regions. Four configurations are further discussed for Case 2. The angles and energy ratios of wave reflection and transmission are calculated. It is found that wave propagation and transmission depend on the ratio of buoyancy frequency to rotational frequency. In a rapidly rotating star or planet, the wave propagates across the interface and most of the energy of the incident wave is transmitted to the other region, but in a slowly rotating star or planet, wave transmission is inhibited.