Diffraction of a long Kelvin wave at the apex angle formed by intersecting shores

Abstract

This paper discusses the diffraction of a low-frequency Kelvin wave (having a frequency comparable to that of a baroclinic Rossby wave) at the apex angle. The problem is handled, with the Coriolis parameter being variable, by expanding into series over the minor parameter ε characteristic of the ratio between the deformation radius and the length of an incident wave travelling along a latitudinal shore. An analytical expression has been derived for a wave translating along meridional shore. It is demonstrated that when the latitudinal shore is located above the critical latitude, the energy flux through the horizontal cross-section transported by the wave coincides with the corresponding flux in the incident wave. If, on the other hand, it is situated below the critical latitude, then part of the energy is consumed by offshore Rossby waves.