Oscillations of the Gulf of Carpentaria

W. K. Melville School of Mathematics, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia

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V. T. Buchwald School of Mathematics, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia

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Abstract

Analysis of sea level residuals at ports in the Gulf of Carpentaria reveals resonent oscillations of the Gulf at periods of 10.6 and 16.0 h, which are close to those predicted by a theory of Williams (1972). Further activity at periods of 30–40 h is also present. The evidence suggests that the resonant oscillations may be caused by disturbances in the Indian Ocean and Coral Sea as well as by local meteorological conditions. The analysis also shows considerable residual activity in the ter-diurnal tidal band, this being consistent with the occurrence of resonance and nonlinear tidal interactions in this period range.

Abstract

Analysis of sea level residuals at ports in the Gulf of Carpentaria reveals resonent oscillations of the Gulf at periods of 10.6 and 16.0 h, which are close to those predicted by a theory of Williams (1972). Further activity at periods of 30–40 h is also present. The evidence suggests that the resonant oscillations may be caused by disturbances in the Indian Ocean and Coral Sea as well as by local meteorological conditions. The analysis also shows considerable residual activity in the ter-diurnal tidal band, this being consistent with the occurrence of resonance and nonlinear tidal interactions in this period range.

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