Low‐frequency waves in the Ligurian Sea during December 1977

Abstract

Observations of low‐frequency waves in the Ligurian Sea in December 1977 are presented. From time series of thermal infrared images obtained by satellite NOAA 5, the mean wavelength and phase velocity are estimated. They are, respectively, 38 km and 18 cm s −1 . These waves are analyzed as large‐amplitude baroclinic waves. Fairly good agreement is found with a two‐layer model.