Wave/wave interaction producing horizontal mean flows in stably stratified fluids

We show that internal wave/wave interactions in stratified fluids are able to produce strong horizontal mean currents. A simple analytical model allows us to estimate the amplitude of the time-periodic horizontal mean flow induced by the interaction of two monochromatic waves. This model shows that in some cases, the mean flow velocity can overgo a threshold beyond which critical layers and intense energy transfers from the waves to the mean flow are expected. This prediction is confirmed by direct pseudo-spectral simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation. Such interactions may help to further understand the presence of strong vertical shear observed in the final stage of stratified flows in oceans and atmospheres.