Measurements of the Generation and Evolution of Langmuir Circulations

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OCE 96-33794 Melville The project will investigate the initial development of coherent structures in the surface boundary layer, known as Langmuir Circulation (LC), through a series of laboratory experiments. Theories suggest that LC is generated by the interaction of surface wave Stokes drift with sheared flow in the boundary layer. However, no detailed examination of the LC instability theory has been made under controlled conditions. At issue is whether the presently accepted theory can be proven correct in a laboratory setting, and whether it is relevant to oceanic conditions. Successful completion of this project would resolve the first issue and frame appropriate questions for investigation of the second.