Langmuir Circulations Beneath Breaking Waves

本项目旨在研究混合和破碎波产生的涡度对海洋表面混合层中Langmuir环流的形成和演化的作用。将建立一个与最近实地试验数据相一致的理论模型。该模型将把GLM理论从弱波状态扩展到表面波具有更真实的陡度的状态，并将包括破碎波注入涡量的表示。该模型的动力学将用数值方法进行探讨。预期的结果是一个更好的模型的发展和结构的朗缪尔尺度的涡旋运动在海洋混合层。如果成功，这可能有助于在大尺度海洋和气候模式中开发更好的混合层表示。

0116921Phillips/UIUCThe aim of this project is to study the role of mixing and vorticity generated by breaking waves on the formation and evolution of Langmuir circulations in the oceanic surface mixed layer. A theoretical model, consistent with data from recent field experiments, will be developed. This model will extend GLM theory from the weak-wave regime to a regime in which the surface waves have a more realistic steepness and will include a representation of vorticity injection by breaking waves. The dynamics of the model will be explored with numerical methods. The anticipated outcome is a better model of the development and structure of Langmuir-cell scale vortical motions in the ocean mixed layer. If successful, this may be useful in the development of better mixed-layer representations in large-scale ocean and climate models.