Long nonlinear internal waves in channels of arbitrary cross-section

Abstract

Using a two-layer fluid model, equations are developed which describe long internal waves propagating along a channel of arbitrary cross-section. Expressions for the phase speed of these waves are derived in terms of geometric properties of the cross-section. When weakly nonlinear effects are balanced by weak dispersion, a Korteweg-de Vries equation is derived to describe the waves. The effects of a slowly varying cross-section are included. Applications of the theory are made to recent observations of internal surges in lakes.