Internal solitary waves (ISWs) and large-amplitude internal wave packets are common events in the oceans and stratified estuaries.

In the oceans, ISWs are mainly generated by the interaction of the barotropic tides with the bottom topography. Information about the flows due to internal waves, their origin, propagation and influence on the surroundings is of great importance. Mixing caused during internal wave breaking is of great significance in predicting global ocean circulation and future climate change. Large-amplitude solitary waves are energetic events generating strong currents. They can also trap fluid with larvae and sediments in the cores of waves and transport it at a considerable distance. ISWs can cause hazards to marine engineering and submarine navigation and significantly impact marine ecosystems and particle transport in the bottom layer of the ocean and stratified lakes.

This issue invites contributions on all aspects of ISW dynamics, including i) mathematical theories of nonlinear internal waves; ii) numerical and experimental modeling of nonlinear internal waves; iii) stratified flows and internal waves; iv) mechanisms of internal solitary wave generation; v) transformation of internal waves over bottom topography and shelf zones; and vi) evaluation of the role of the internal wave in resuspension. Discussion about the nature of the observed large-amplitude internal waves and their impact on the coastal zones and underwater constructions is also appreciated.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish in one place papers presented at the 10th international Nonlinear Waves and Chaos Workshop 2017 (NWCW17) held in San Diego, California, from 20 to 24 March 2017. This workshop was unique because it had a number of experts, from space plasma and laboratory plasma, fusion plasma physicists, astrophysicists, applied mathematicians, atmospheric and oceanic scientists, and even a heart specialist. Nonlinear waves, chaos, dispersion, and dissipation occur in many fields, and it is instructive to intercompare observational techniques and theoretical approaches from various disciplines. Other related papers are welcome for publication in this Special Issue.