Satellite observations of surface manifestations of internal waves in the Caspian Sea

Results of satellite observations of surface manifestations of internal waves in the Caspian Sea are presented. It is proposed that the possible cause of generation of the revealed internal waves is uninodal seiches with a nodal line located in the vicinity of the Apsheron Sill. The basic parameters of internal waves in the Caspian Sea, having the form of classical soliton trains, are determined. Seasonal variability of surface manifestations of the internal waves is revealed. The horizontal current velocity of the solitons is assessed. According to the estimation, velocity is about 0.2 m/s, which is sufficient for wind ripple modulation.