The primary internal wave mechanisms leading to ocean mixing. Tides flow over many forms of topography, from abyssal hills to tall, steep ridges, generating both high-mode and low-mode internal waves. Time-varying winds cause near-inertial oscillations in the mixed layer, radiating high-mode and low-mode internal waves. Lee waves are generated when deep currents impinge on topographic features. Time-varying surface currents can also generate internal waves. Both high and low modes propagate, undergo wave–wave interactions and scatter off topographic features, eventually leading to dissipation. Low modes generated in the open ocean can also propagate and dissipate on continental slopes and shelves.
1Whalen, C.B., de Lavergne, C., Naveira Garabato, A.C. et al. Internal wave-driven mixing: governing processes and consequences for climate. Nat Rev Earth Environ 1, 606–621 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0097-z
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