Mathematical theory of internal waves

Internal waves are a central topic in oceanography and the theory of rotating fluids. They are gravity waves in density-stratified fluids. In a two-dimensional aquarium, the velocity of linear internal waves can concentrate on certain attractors. Locations of internal wave attractors are related to periodic orbits of homeomorphisms of the circle, given by a nonlinear “chess billiard” dynamical system. This relation provides a surprising “quantum–classical correspondence” in fluid dynamics. In this talk, I will explain connections between homeomorphisms of circles, spectral theory, and internal wave dynamics. This talk is based on joint work with Semyon Dyatlov and Maciej Zworski.