Asymptotic models for internal waves

Derived here in a systematic way, and for a large class of scaling regimes are asymptotic models for the propagation of internal waves at the interface between two layers of immiscible fluids of different densities, under the rigid lid assumption and with a flat bottom. The full (Euler) model for this situation is reduced to a system of evolution equations posed spatially on R-d, d = 1, 2, which involve two nonlocal operators. The different asymptotic models are obtained by expanding the nonlocal operators with respect to suitable small parameters that depend variously on the amplitude, wave-lengths and depth ratio of the two layers. We rigorously derive classical models and also some model systems that appear to be new. Furthermore, the consistency of these asymptotic systems with the full Euler equations is established. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.