On the Variability of the Wind Stress at the Air-sea Interface

On the Variability of the Wind Stress at the Air-sea Interface
Author: Fei Zhang
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2008
Genre:
ISBN:

This dissertation investigates wind-wave-current interaction, wave breaking detection and the analysis of breaking characteristics at the air-sea interface. In-situ data measured during the Shoaling Waves Experiment (SHOWEX) and Baltic Sea Swell Experiment (BASE) are applied in the studies and analysis. Wind, wind stress and wave data were obtained from several Air Sea Interaction Spar (ASIS) buoys. Surface currents were measured by a High-Frequency Ocean Surface Current Radar. Two distinct types of wave-current-wind interaction were observed in the presence of a strong along-coast current. First, the horizontal current shear resulted in wind-sea waves shifting away from the wind direction. This motion resulted in a steering of the stress away from the mean wind direction. Second, short wind waves on a uniform current are shifted to the current direction, and the wind stress is steered toward the current direction by the short waves. The wind stress veering has been confirmed by data from the SeaWind scatterometer on board the QuikSCAT satellite. This finding is in agreement with the results from some recent studies. The present study also describes an experimental investigation of breaking wave detection by ASIS buoys. A method, developed from the laboratory, and using local wave parameters to provide a detailed description of breaking, is applied to wave data from ASIS buoys. One the basis of these data, the relation between breaking probability and wind speed shows characteristics similar to those from several field experiments with different conditions. Furthermore, additional parameters, wave age and wave steepness, are also shown to affect the breaking probability during our in-situ measurements. Upper ocean shear, which can modulate wave breaking as predicted by both theory and laboratory work, are also observed to change the breaking properties. This characteristic is rarely reported by in-situ experiment.

Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions of Gases and Particles

Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions of Gases and Particles
Author: Peter S. Liss
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 366
Release: 2013-12-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642256430

The oceans and atmosphere interact through various processes, including the transfer of momentum, heat, gases and particles. In this book leading international experts come together to provide a state-of-the-art account of these exchanges and their role in the Earth-system, with particular focus on gases and particles. Chapters in the book cover: i) the ocean-atmosphere exchange of short-lived trace gases; ii) mechanisms and models of interfacial exchange (including transfer velocity parameterisations); iii) ocean-atmosphere exchange of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide; iv) ocean atmosphere exchange of particles and v) current and future data collection and synthesis efforts. The scope of the book extends to the biogeochemical responses to emitted / deposited material and interactions and feedbacks in the wider Earth-system context. This work constitutes a highly detailed synthesis and reference; of interest to higher-level university students (Masters, PhD) and researchers in ocean-atmosphere interactions and related fields (Earth-system science, marine / atmospheric biogeochemistry / climate). Production of this book was supported and funded by the EU COST Action 735 and coordinated by the International SOLAS (Surface Ocean- Lower Atmosphere Study) project office.

Wind Stress Over the Ocean

Wind Stress Over the Ocean
Author: Ian S. F. Jones
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 277
Release: 2001-09-24
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 0521662435

A comprehensive 2001 volume for researchers and graduate students in oceanography, meteorology, fluid dynamics and coastal engineering.

The Interaction of Ocean Waves and Wind

The Interaction of Ocean Waves and Wind
Author: Peter Janssen
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2004-10-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0521465400

This book was published in 2004. The Interaction of Ocean Waves and Wind describes in detail the two-way interaction between wind and ocean waves and shows how ocean waves affect weather forecasting on timescales of 5 to 90 days. Winds generate ocean waves, but at the same time airflow is modified due to the loss of energy and momentum to the waves; thus, momentum loss from the atmosphere to the ocean depends on the state of the waves. This volume discusses ocean wave evolution according to the energy balance equation. An extensive overview of nonlinear transfer is given, and as a by-product the role of four-wave interactions in the generation of extreme events, such as freak waves, is discussed. Effects on ocean circulation are described. Coupled ocean-wave, atmosphere modelling gives improved weather and wave forecasts. This volume will interest ocean wave modellers, physicists and applied mathematicians, and engineers interested in shipping and coastal protection.

Ocean Engineering Science

Ocean Engineering Science
Author: Bernard Le Méhauté
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 1340
Release: 2005-06-28
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780674017399