A nonlinear model of generation of internal «solitary» marine waves is discussed: when a large surface wave-for instance a superficial wave or a bore of tidal origin-passes over a submarine mountain or crosses a strait, packets of internal waves may often be detected. We study this phenomenon taking into account the effect of the air-sea surface; we show that the phenomenon can be schematized, in an approximate but realistic way, by using the solutions of an inhomogeneous KdV equation. The forcing term depends on the air-sea surface elevation and on the bottom topography. We then apply our model to the marine currents, of tidal origin, flowing through the straits of Gibraltar. © 1984 Società Italiana di Fisica.

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