Satellite Observations of Nonlinear Internal Waves and Surface Signatures in the South China Sea

The long-term goal of this proposed project is to improve our understanding of nonlinear internal waves, in particular using satellite-based optical and microwave observations to better predict the existence and propagation of soliton packets as well as determine their strength amplitude and origin. To improve our descriptions of nonlinear internal waves, we propose to acquire satellite data such as SAR and medium- to high-resolution optical imagery of internal wave soliton packets propagating through the Luzon Straits up to the Dongsha slope. The specific scientific objectives of this study, to be carried out in collaboration with the NLIWI investigators, are as follows 1 to determine the characteristics of nonlinear internal waves with SAR and optical imagery, 2 to map the occurrence and frequency of internal wave soliton packets in SAR and optical imagery and trace their origins, and 3 to determine the location and generation mechanisms of nonlinear internal waves.