Qualitative description of unbounded ocean system

  • Thread starter Thread starter akoe
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ocean System
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the qualitative evolution of an unbounded ocean system with a depth of 2000 m under two different conditions: a small wavelength (L = 100 m) and a large wavelength (L = 10,000 m). For L = 100 m, the ocean's higher sides converge and rebound, leading to a still surface. In contrast, for L = 10,000 m, the convergence takes longer, affecting the dynamics of the wave interaction. Additionally, the discussion raises a question about the observer's speed required to perceive the same wavelength of a wave packet, indicating a need for clarity on the term "same" in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave dynamics in fluid systems
  • Familiarity with wavelength and wave packet concepts
  • Knowledge of wave speed and observer motion in physics
  • Basic principles of oceanography related to wave behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of wavelength on wave interaction in fluid dynamics
  • Study the concept of group velocity and its relation to wave packets
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of wave motion in unbounded media
  • Learn about the implications of observer motion on perceived wave characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, oceanographers, and anyone interested in wave dynamics and qualitative analysis of fluid systems.

akoe
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement

[/B]
a) Suppose that you have the unbounded ocean show in the picture, where h = 2000 m. At t = 0, the system is allowed to relax. Make a qualitative description of its evolution and final state if i) L = 100 m, and ii) L = 10,000 m.
ocean_basin.jpg

b) At what speed should an observer move in order to observe the same wavelength of a wave packet traveling over a basin of constant depth?

Homework Equations


None, because this is a qualitative question? I guess c_g = \frac{\partial \omega}{\partial k} may be useful for part b.

The Attempt at a Solution


For part a.i, because L is small, is seems as though what will happen is the higher sides of that rectangular space in the ocean will come crashing towards each other, then hit, then they'll sort of rebound back out , and eventually the ocean will settle back into a still surface. For part a.ii., because L is bigger, the water from each higher side will take longer to reach each other, but I'm not sure how else that would change the situation, and I have no idea what h has to do with this whole situation at all, really.

For part b), I am confused on the wording of this part. When it says in order to observe the same wavelength of a wave packet, what is the "same" referring to? The observer observes the same wavelength as...?

I'm sorry for how messy my answers here are. I guess I really do have a hard time with qualitative questions like this. I would really appreciate any help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"Wavelength" is the length of the displaced surface.
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
6K