Abstract:
Internal solitary wave, a non-linear wave, is generated when the interface between layers due to density stratification disturbed. The layer disturbance is caused by tidal current passing over shallow underwater obstacles such as a sill, seamount or shelf break. Internal solitary wave is a significant mechanism for the transport of momentum and energy within the ocean, and may cause the resuspension of bottom sediments in the coastal sea. In previous studies, internal solitary waves with large amplitude and short duration have been observed in the Andaman Sea by direct field measurement or remote sensing techniques.
Observations of internal solitary waves propagating onto the western coasts of Similan islands were carried out during the northeast monsoon season of the year 2007 and 2008 by using temperature recorders and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP). Internal solitary waves of depression type with amplitudes and horizontal velocities up to 70 m and 1.33 ms-1, respectively, were discovered. Direction of such currents suggested that most of the waves were generated from the sills near 8 50N 9456E in the Andaman Sea. The probability of their occurrence increased with tidal range. The analyses of echo intensity variability also suggest that internal solitary wave was the cause of resuspension of bottom sediments.