Internal Waves in the Climate System
By Dr. Zihua Liu
Research Associate III 
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 
 
Date:    19 March 2025 (Wednesday)
Time:    4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Venue:    Room 1104 (Lift 19)

Abstract:
Internal waves are ubiquitous in the world’s oceans and play a pivotal role in energy transfer and vertical mixing, regulating water properties and large-scale circulations, while influencing nutrient transport and the distribution of marine organisms. Consequently, they have significant implications for climate system. In this talk, I will show how mathematical modeling—supported and validated by high-resolution numerical simulations—can systematically reveal the fundamental physical processes of internal waves. Focusing on a slope–shelf configuration, I characterize tide-induced internal wave generation from both vertical and horizontal perspectives.
Results from an idealized slope–shelf model indicate that energy conversion exhibits distinct “hotspots” at the seafloor slope and at the pycnocline, illuminating key dynamical mechanisms. Moreover, internal tidal beams impinging onto the shelf can transition into modal internal tides and, under specific conditions, evolve into onshore-propagating internal solitary waves. I present a mathematical framework for systematically analyzing the evolution of internal solitary waves
and use numerical simulations to validate the theoretical predictions. Additionally, I introduce the practical applications of internal waves in studying marine biological processes. I will conclude by outlining my ongoing work and discuss emerging opportunities I see for future research. 

Biography:
Zihua Liu is a Research Associate at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, specializing in physical oceanography. Her research interests include internal waves, ocean dynamics, and climate change solutions. She earned her Ph.D. from University College London, and B.S. from Ocean University of China.

All Are Welcome!