Laboratory study of flow field for ISW evolution on a flat bottom

Spatial variation of the velocity field induced by propagation of an interfacial solitary wave (ISW) is one of the most important research themes in marine science. This velocity field together with the vortex within the system can affect marine operations as the ISW propagates in the ocean. The governing equations presently available are modified to model the velocity and vortex, and are used in numerical experiments. This paper presents the results of laboratory experiments and numerical modeling of the velocity field induced by the propagation of an ISW in depression and elevation on a flat bottom. Laboratory observations reveal that the water particle orbits in different water layers have different motion trails due to the effect of the ISW. In addition, the numerical and laboratory experiments show a self-generated vortex above the interface of a depression ISW as it propagates in a stratified two-layer fluid system on a flat bottom. Interestingly, the interface itself may limit the vertical transfer of mass between the upper and bottom layers in a stratified fluid system. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.