Energy spectra of the ocean's internal wave field: theory and observations

Abstract

The high-frequency limit of the Garrett and Munk spectrum of internal waves in the ocean and the observed deviations from it are shown to form a pattern consistent with the predictions of wave turbulence theory. In particular, the high frequency limit of the Garrett and Munk spectrum constitutes an {\it exact} steady state solution of the corresponding kinetic equation.

4 pages, one color figure