A wave that propagates along the boundary between two ocean or lake layers of different density, such as where colder, saltier deep water meets warmer surface water, rather than at the visible surface itself. Internal waves are often invisible from above except as subtle surface slicks or ripples, yet they can be far larger in amplitude than surface waves, sometimes rising and falling by tens of meters below the surface, and they play a significant role in mixing heat, nutrients and momentum through the deep ocean.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceLargely invisible at the surface, but detectable from satellites as increased surface roughness and slicks where the internal wave's horizontal flow converges 1 ScaleInternal waves typically have lower frequencies and higher amplitudes than surface gravity waves, with wavelengths ranging from centimeters to kilometers 1 Sources
1. Internal wave, Wikipedia
Visualization section
Undulations of the oceanic thermocline can be visualized by satellite because the waves increase the surface roughness where the horizontal flow converges, and this increases the scattering of sunlight.
Properties section
Internal waves typically have much lower frequencies and higher amplitudes than surface gravity waves because the density differences (and therefore the restoring forces) within a fluid are usually much smaller.
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