Interactions of barotropic tidal currents with continental shelves result in the generation of internal tides. Important energy transfers are associated together with mixing. This enables the preservation of the oceanic general circulation. Large amplitude internal tides of the Bay of Biscay are presented for the MINT94 SHOM experiment modelling using the 3D coastal ocean model SYMPHONIE. Generation and propagation properties of semi-diurnal and quarter-diurnal internal tides and the origin of non linear tides are investigated thanks to the development of the WEof analysis tool (Wavelet Empirical orthogonal function). It combines wavelet analysis (time-frequency localization) and principal components analysis (coherent physical pattern recognition). Sensitivity studies are carried out in order to investigate the contributions of the following forcing over internal tides: barotropic tides, bathymetry and thermohaline stratification.
