Wave induced variations in the marine surface layer turbulence and momentum flux
An air-sea interaction experiment was conducted in the Atlantic Ocean 5 km off the southern shore of Long Island using a stable buoy. Variations of momentum flux and turbulence in the marine surface layer were studied continuously for several weeks. A case study of the changes in the momentum flux and turbulence during synoptic conditions conducive for the formation of long waves (or swells) is made in this paper. Upward momentum flux from the long waves to the atmosphere decreases the average downward fluxes to near-zero levels. Immediately after a synoptic frontal passage when the wind and the waves were moving in the opposite directions, the average momentum flux was found directed upwards from the waves to the atmosphere. During this period longitudinal turbulence intensity increased by a factor of six and the vertical turbulence showed a moderate increase.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH00016
- OSTI ID:
- 6066263
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-30265; CONF-8105129-1; ON: DE82002857
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Symposium on wave dynamics and radio probing of the ocean surface, Miami Beach, FL, USA, 13 May 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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