Received: 04 Sep 2015 – Discussion started: 08 Oct 2015 – Revised: 14 Feb 2016 – Accepted: 18 Feb 2016 – Published: 07 Mar 2016
Abstract. Seiches are often considered a transitory phenomenon wherein large amplitude water level oscillations are excited by a geophysical event, eventually dissipating some time after the event. However, continuous small-amplitude seiches have been recognized which raises a question regarding the origin of continuous forcing. We examine six bays around the Pacific where continuous seiches are evident and, based on spectral, modal, and kinematic analysis, suggest that tidally forced shelf resonances are a primary driver of continuous seiches.
Bays and harbors naturally resonate with standing waves, known as seiches. Seiches are usually considered temporary, however, we identify small-amplitude, continuously present seiches in six bays around the Pacific and suggest that tidally forced, continental shelf resonances are a primary driver of continuous seiches.
Bays and harbors naturally resonate with standing waves, known as seiches. Seiches are usually...
