The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Cross- and intra-scale kinetic energy transfer in eddy-wave interactions
ID:148 Oral Presentation

2027-01-12 10:40 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 38 - Oceanic (Sub)mesoscale Processes and Their Climate Impacts

Abstract
Understanding the complex energy pathways between multi-scale eddies and internal waves remains a fundamental issue in physical oceanography, critically impacting our ability to parameterize mixing and understand large-scale circulation. This study introduces a diagnostic framework designed to explicitly quantify the energy transfers governing eddy-wave interactions. I demonstrate this framework using an idealized simulation of mixed-layer eddies interacting with near-inertial waves. The analysis reveals significant links between six key across-scale energy transfer pathways. Notably, transfers driven by eddy turbulence and wave scattering exhibit strong correlations with direct extraction transfers, underpinned by the interplay of shear and strain fields. Furthermore, the results show that same-scale energy transfers, largely overlooked in prior studies, possess amplitudes comparable to across-scale transfers. A key finding is the orthogonality between same-scale and across-scale transfers, suggesting a bipolar organization of energy pathways. Furthermore, the work performed by reaction forces between eddies and waves significantly modulates the energy budget, exhibiting distinct self-organized patterns. This proof-of-concept demonstration establishes the framework's utility for quantifying fundamental energy pathways across diverse scenarios
Speaker
Lixin Qu Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Author
Lixin Qu Shanghai Jiao Tong University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027