Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 December 2020
We consider the resonant coupling of mode-1 and mode-2 internal solitary waves by topography. Mode-2 waves are generated by a mode-1 wave encountering variable topography, modelled by a coupled Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) system. Three cases, namely $(A)$ weak resonant coupling, $(B)$ moderate resonant coupling and $(C)$ strong resonant coupling, are examined in detail using a three-layer density-stratified fluid system with different stratification and topographic settings. The strength of the resonant coupling is determined by the range of values taken by the ratio of linear long-wave phase speeds ($c_2/c_1$, where $c_1$ is the mode-1 speed and $c_2$ the mode-2 speed) while the waves are above the slope. In case $A$ the range is from $0.42$ (ocean edge) to $0.48$ (shelf edge), in case $B$ from $0.58$ (ocean) to $0.72$ (shelf) and in case $C$ from $0.44$ (ocean) to $0.92$ (shelf). The feedback from mode-2 to mode-1 is estimated by comparing the coupled KdV system with a KdV model. In case $A$, a small-amplitude convex mode-2 wave is generated by a depression mode-1 wave and the feedback on the mode-1 wave is negligible. In case $B$, a concave mode-2 wave of comparable amplitude to that of the depression incident mode-1 wave is formed; strong feedback enhances the polarity change process of the mode-1 wave. In case $C$, a large-amplitude concave mode-2 wave is produced by an elevation mode-1 wave; strong feedback suppresses the fission of the mode-1 wave. Simulations for a wider range of topographic slopes and three-layer stratifications are then classified in terms of these responses.