Near-inertial internal wave generation at a coastal boundary

Inertial oscillations in the surface mixed layer are common in the coastal ocean and large lakes. Interactions between inertial oscillations and coastal boundaries produce horizontal divergences in mixed layer velocities that pump the base of the mixed layer and generate offshore propagating internal waves. Here, the properties of coastally generated near-inertial internal waves are first investigating using theory and numerical simulations. Then, observations of velocity, temperature, and turbulence in coastal Lake Superior are analyzed for evidence of near-inertial internal waves. Lastly, the roles of near-inertial internal waves in the lake's heat and kinetic energy budget are discussed.